Biotechnology applications in areas such as health, energy, agriculture and manufacturing can benefit Victoria’s economy, society and environment.
In 2001, the Victorian Government set an ambitious goal to ensure Melbourne would be recognised globally as a world class biotechnology destination. The Victorian Government worked towards achieving this goal through a series of three-year Biotechnology Strategic Development Plans.
Victoria’s three Biotechnology Strategic Development Plans (2001, 2004 and 2007) build on Victoria's leadership in health and agricultural biotechnology, and explore new opportunities in emerging sectors, to achieve its vision for Victoria to be the global biotechnology destination of choice.
Victoria's Technology Plan for the Future – Biotechnology
A new $55 million plan to support Victoria’s biotechnology sector through the next stage of growth was released on 17 October 2011 by Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips.
Victoria's Technology Plan for the Future – Biotechnology is part of the Victorian Government’s suite of technology strategies under Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future. The statement sets the Victorian Government’s direction for Victorian biotechnology and the key role of biotechnology in contributing to a competitive, productive and growing Victorian economy.
The plan covers two action areas:
Capability development – support to develop the necessary talent pool, capitalise on our world-class R&D base, and pursue international trade and investment opportunities.
Biotech-enabled innovation – focusing on demand-driven product development, uptake programs, demonstration projects and regulatory reform.
Key components of the biotechnology plan include the Health Market Validation Program and the Technology Trade and International Partnering Program, which supports Victorian companies to attend recognised overseas biotechnology conferences, trade events and meetings with regulatory authorities.
For further information visit www.biotechnology.vic.gov.au and click here to down load a copy of the Victoria's Technology Plan for the Future – Biotechnology
Related Policies & Strategies:
Victoria’s Science Agenda: builds on the success of the Science, Technology and Innovation Initiative (1999–2008), by providing $145 million to further boost Victoria's science and technology base and generate economic and social benefits.
Small Technologies Action Plan: builds on the Victorian Nanotechnology Statement 2008, the Plan invests $10.5 million to deliver new initiatives that will increase the adoption of small technologies by businesses, improve skills and training, and increase awareness of small technologies.
Victorian Government grants & program funding:
The Technology Trade and International Partnering (TRIP) Program provides grant assistance for eligible Victorian companies to attend recognised overseas conferences, trade events and meetings with regulatory authorities. Participants must demonstrate market outcomes achieved as a result of their attendance.
TRIP supports the growth and internationalisation of Victorian biotechnology (including health, industrial and agricultural biotechnology, medical devices and diagnostics) and small technology (microtechnology and nanotechnology) companies.
The grant covers eligible expenses including a contribution towards airfares and accommodation. Where applicable, it also covers the cost of conference entry, non-confidential pitching documents and presentation materials, the exhibition stand and other promotional costs. TRIP contact details:
Tel: (+61 3) 9655 1066 or
Tel: (+61 3) 9651 9016
Email: trip_bst@dbi.vic.gov.au
Small Technology Industry Uptake Program: provides support to Victorian business through a voucher system. Vouchers can be exchanged for access to small technologies facilities, services, advice or expertise provided by participating service providers.
Smart SME Market Validation Program: a pilot program to promote innovation in business and government by supporting market driven R&D technology demonstration projects. Victorian public sector entities identify market needs requiring new technology solutions and engage SMEs to explore the feasibility of technology solutions and conduct the R&D proof-of-concept.
Health Market Validation Program: The Victorian Government is offering a $15 million competitive grants program for solutions to healthcare challenges, to achieve better health outcomes, improve healthcare service delivery and deliver economic benefits for Victoria. Stage 1 of the Health Market Validation Program is now underway. More information is available at http://www.business.vic.gov.au/hmvp
The Smart SMEs Innovation Commercialisation Program is a Victorian Government initiative supporting commercialisation resources, capabilities and networks for Victoria's innovative science and technology businesses. The Smart SMEs Innovation Commercialisation Program aims to increase the rate of Victorian science and technology commercialisation by assisting the development and growth of technology businesses, products and services.
Victoria Prize: $50,000 is awarded annually to an individual whose scientific discovery or technological innovation has significantly advanced knowledge or has potential to lead a commercial outcome or other benefit to the community.
Victoria Fellowships: each year up to six Victoria Fellowships are awarded to emerging leaders in science, technology and engineering. Each Fellow receives a travel grant of up to $18,000 to undertake a short-term overseas study mission to assist in developing a commercial idea, undertaking specialist training or career development.
Operational Infrastructure Support Program: funding for independent Victorian Medical Research Institutes.
Science & Technology Policies and Initiatives: information on Victorian Government policies and programs in the broader science and technology sector.
Business Victoria – Innovation and Commercialisation: an introduction to the essentials of product and service development, and links to organisations that can provide further information and assistance.
International Business Support & Collaborative Programs
Access China: assists Victorian companies to forge new relationships with Chinese partners, market their products more effectively and as appropriate, to set up an operation in China.
The Victoria-Israel Science and Technology R&D Fund (VISTECH): promotes, facilitate and supports jointly approved science and technology research and development (R&D) projects.
VISTECH funds eligible joint projects in areas such as Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Water, Environment, Synchrotron and Information Communications & Technology (ICT).
VISTECH is involved in four broad complementary activities: promoting and marketing the benefits of joint market oriented Victorian-Israeli R&D collaboration, matching companies in one state seeking a partner in the other, facilitating the identification of specific projects or collaborations between Victorian and Israeli companies that could lead to R&D cooperation and supporting projects by contributing up to 50% of the joint eligible R&D costs - up to a maximum of US$500,000.
The Victoria-California Stem Cell Alliance Program funds high quality international research linkages and collaborative projects between Victorian and Californian researchers in research organisations (such as universities, institutes or hospitals) or private companies. Victoria's partner in the Alliance is the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).
The Alliance seeks to translate stem cell research activities speedily but safely towards clinical therapies for patients and provide positive economic outcomes for California and Victoria. The Alliance has been developed by the Victorian Government to support the growth and internationalisation of Victorian biotechnology research and biotechnology companies.
Business Victoria offers a comprehensive directory of state and federal government grants and programs.