Biotech start-ups are born global. The world’s largest and most comprehensive biotechnology partnering conference, the BIO International Convention, is an ideal opportunity to build and foster relationships with partners from around the world. BIO attracts 20,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries, creating a melting-pot for connection, collaboration and commercialisation over four days. For the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub (WALSIH), the event aligns closely with our mission of connecting Western Australia to the world, and the world to WA.
For the sixth year, WALSIH attended BIO to support WA delegates and facilitate opportunities. The value and effectiveness of the WALSIH partnership model was clear; leveraging AUScelerate’s (formerly MTPConnect) leadership role in delivering a coordinated Australian presence and working closely with the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification and Invest and Trade WA in the lead-up, and during, the conference. Our Director Stakeholder Engagement, Tracey Wilkinson joined over 20 WA representatives spanning clinical trials, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and investment, including Linear Clinical Research, BioCina, Orthocell, Argenica Therapeutics, Atherid Therapeutics, Patrys, PYC Therapeutics, One Kidney, Health Translation Group, ProGenis Pharmaceuticals, Tenmile and Wrays. Atherid and Argenica were also supported through AUScelerate’s TTRA program.
Australia’s position as a global leader in clinical trials was clear. Recent developments in WA capability in paediatric trials (Perth Children’s Trial Centre), remote trials (WA Country Health Service Clinical Trial Coordinating Centre) and Linear’s advanced early phase clinical trial facilities were showcased. Interest in our advanced manufacturing capabilities is growing and the location of BioCina’s pavilion adjacent to the Australian booth made for effective cross-referrals. The combination of clinical trial and pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise presents a compelling narrative to attract business, and access to potentially life-saving treatments into the state.
WALSIH wrap-around support included promotion of the delegation opportunity to attract delegates, hosting a webinar to help delegates prepare for successful partnering conference, supporting connections and representing WA on the Australian pavilion and sponsoring a table at the CSL Australian BIO 2026 dinner, organised by AUScelerate and the American Australian Association, attended by investors and industry stakeholders from across the global biomedical ecosystem, including the USA, UK, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, New Zealand and Singapore. AUScelerate also marked a significant milestone during BIO, officially launching its new AUScelerate brand as it begins its second decade of accelerating Australian innovation and research towards investment and impact.
As a valued WALSIH partner, AUScelerate’s international networks were helpful to enhance WA’s global connections to key ecosystems such California, Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic. AUScelerate’s pre-conference site visit program around San Diego provided valuable connection to and understanding of the Californian life sciences ecosystem. Insights into the California and US market as well as investment trends, which helped WA delegates maximise opportunities throughout the conference week.
Throughout the week, delegates participated in a packed schedule of meetings, networking events and business development opportunities. Ahead of the conference, delegates joined a showcase at Australia House hosted by Austrade and AusBiotech, while a networking reception hosted by Bridgewest Ventures brought together representatives from WA, South Australia, New Zealand and the USA to foster collaborations and partnerships. The fourth Australian Women in Life Sciences Leadership Forum at BIO was delivered by AUScelerate, sponsored by Moderna. This year’s sold-out event focused on helping women leaders activate and strengthen their professional networks through a hands-on and interactive format. WA delegate, Dr Samantha South, CEO of Patrys, was one of four women to receive a sponsored ticket to attend.
The Australian Pavilion served as a focal point for connection, fuelled by the best coffee at the conference. It welcomed a steady stream of international visitors, partners and investors, while providing a platform to promote Australian capabilities. The collaborative atmosphere fostered by the Australian delegation helped accelerate conversations and open doors for businesses from across the country, including WA.
“People are at the heart of a conference like BIO,” WALSIH’s Director Stakeholder Engagement Dr Tracey Wilkinson said.
“From conversations that began through “koala and quokka diplomacy” at the Australian Pavilion, to chance encounters waiting in line for coffee, the connections made throughout the week are what drive future opportunities and critically important for success in a health market that is increasingly global.”
“Our Aussie reputation as welcoming and friendly was an obvious strength. Cross referrals were flying thick and fast between Australians working to support each other by making introductions and sharing information,” Tracey said.
“Until the very last hours of the conference, we were kept busy on the stand talking about capabilities and opportunities.”
WA’s presence at international events like BIO underscores the growing profile and maturity of our biomedical sector. Through clinical trials, advanced manufacturing, therapeutics and medtech, WA is helping tackle global healthcare challenges and WALSIH is committed to supporting this through key cross-border partnerships.
