Western Australia has launched its first-ever Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy, as announced by the State Government.

The Strategy was launched by Deputy Premier the Hon Roger Cook MLA at a function celebrating Perth being named host city for both AusBiotech 2022, Australia’s major annual life sciences industry conference, and the Australia Biotech Invest & Partnering Conference 2022.

This latest industry strategy announcement includes $600,000 per annum from the Department of Health to ensure the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub (WALSIH) continues its work to connect the innovation community, as well as build capacity and new skills to attract investment and foster commercialisation.

WALSIH is a three-way partnership between the WA Government, MTPConnect and UWA and consists of Director Stakeholder Engagement WA, Dr Tracey Wilkinson (MTPConnect), Director Biomedical Innovation Professor Pfleger and Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator WA, Rebekah Craggs (MTPConnect). MTPConnect is the national Industry Growth Centre for medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

The key focus areas of the strategy include strengthening the innovation ecosystem, facilitating commercialisation, developing skills and attracting talent, encouraging investment and supporting infrastructure for advanced manufacturing.

Image caption- From left to right: Rebekah Craggs, MTPConnect Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator WA, MTPConnect WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub; Rebecca Brown, Director General, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation; Dr Debra Cousins, Executive Director, Science and Innovation, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation; Dr Tracey Wilkinson, MTPConnect Director Stakeholder Engagement WA, MTPConnect WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub; Hon Roger Cook MLA, Deputy Premier; Minister for Health; Medical Research; State Development, Jobs and Trade; Science; Professor Kevin Pfleger, Director Biomedical Innovation, UWA and MTPConnect WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub; Linda Dawson, Deputy Director General, Industry, Science and Innovation, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. Photo credit: Harry Li