South Australia bioscience incubator launched

South Australia bioscience incubator launched 


SOUTH Australia's purpose-built bioscience incubator is up and running after SA Premier Mike Rann formally opened the facility this morning. 


Photo courtesy of: Drew Lenman and Bio Innovation SA


The $12.9 million BioSA Incubator, which will be home to six early-stage tenants, is located in the state's high-technology hub in Therbarton, just west of the Adelaide central business district.

Rann said the incubator would help to fast-track the growth of the state's bioscience industry.

“The $12.9 million [BioSA Incubator] is unique in Australia – with a combination of tailored laboratories, office space and conference facilities," he said.

The BioSA Incubator is fully occupied already, with the Centre for Pharmaceutical Research, Jurlique Research, Pharmaceutical Packaging Products, Reproductive Health Sciences, Signostics and contract research company vivoPharm the inaugural tenants.

The facility is modelled on successful similar incubators in Europe, and is situated in proximity to more established South Australian life science companies Bionomics, Hospira and TGR Biosciences.

SA Science and Information Economy Minister Paul Caica said the precinct would help lure other life science companies to the state.

“Bringing businesses together in the BioSA Incubator will help lure further venture capital investment into a rapidly expanding sector," he said.

“It creates a huge advantage for South Australia's bioscience sector. It will not only foster our local bioscience start-ups but has the potential to encourage bioscience companies from other parts of Australia to move their operations to Adelaide."