Biomedical

Vision

Our vision is for Queensland to be a globally competitive Asia-Pacific biomedical industry hub.

At a glance – Queensland

• Strong and fast-growing economy with a AA+/Negative rating
• One of the lowest standard payroll tax rates in Australia starting at 4.75%
• Highest net interstate migration for 36 of the past 41 years
• Proximity to high growth markets of the Asia Pacific, with a time zone within 2 hours of many major Asian capital cities
• Named in TIME magazine’s ‘World’s Great Places of 2023’ list

Strengths

Queensland’s world-class biomedical ecosystem – boasting a wealth of cutting-edge biomedical companies and research institutions, established and emerging health precincts, world-class universities and a highly-skilled workforce – is going from strength to strength.

Queensland is home to a cluster of agile, innovative and entrepreneurial biomedical businesses.

Our pre-clinical and early-phase clinical trial capabilities are underpinned by sophisticated academic health translation research infrastructure.

Queensland is in an ideal position to continue to attract international companies and to build sovereign capability in areas such as the development, manufacture and delivery of vaccines.

We have:

• global expertise in tropical medicine, immunology and infectious diseases
• an educated, highly skilled workforce with access to world-class training facilities
• world-class research based within key health and knowledge precincts
• high-value niche businesses supported by an established network of service providers
• expertise in e-health, comprehensive pathology information and telemedicine
• attractive location for clinical trials with sophisticated academic health translation research infrastructure
• access to and shared time zones with high-growth markets in the Asia-Pacific region
• home of Australia's leading biopharmaceutical contract manufacturer.

Why invest in Queensland’s biomedical sector?

Innovative and highly skilled workforce

• Knowledge corridor, with dozens of innovation-led organisations
• World-class training, teaching and research facilities
• Highly skilled workforce with strong technical and academic collaboration
• Over two and a half decades of state government investment in science and innovation
• Superior scientific talent and excellent research and medical infrastructure

Industry support and incentives

• Fast, pragmatic regulatory pathway with rapid ethics approval
• Clinical data complies with top international standards
• Very competitive business costs
• Stable economic and political environment and the most decentralised of mainland Australian states
• Access to Australia’s R&D Tax Incentive

Stability and economic growth

• Higher annual growth rate than the rest of Australia
• Exports to almost 200 countries

Lifestyle

• Enviable, relaxed lifestyle and world-famous natural attractions
• Lowest median house price in a capital city on the east coast
• Average of 300 days of sunshine annually

Industry leadership

The Biomedical Advisor is an advocate and champion for the state’s biomedical sector. A reputable leader in the biomedical field with extensive sector knowledge, networks and standing, they provide a connection between key industry stakeholders and the Queensland Government to help achieve the vision for the State. The inaugural Biomedical Advisor was Professor Ian Frazer AC, who held the role from April 2023 to April 2025.

Queensland Biomedical Advisor - Professor Scott Bell

Professor Bell is currently the Chair of Research at Gold Coast Health and Griffith University, a joint appointment that is focused on clinical research. Prior to this, he was CEO of the Translational Research Institute.

He was also the Executive Director, Research, at the Metro North Hospital and Health Service where he developed the research strategy for the largest health service in Australia. Professor Bell is also a senior thoracic physician and clinician and will continue his work in those roles.

His appointment as Queensland’s Biomedical Advisor will see him chair the steering committee for the Translational Science Hub, which is delivering the next generation of medical advancements. Professor Bell will also provide advice on opportunities for economic growth of the Queensland biomedical ecosystem.

Industry support and attraction incentives

Translational Science Hub

In 2022, the Queensland Government, Sanofi, The University of Queensland and Griffith University announced a $280 million partnership to establish the Global Translational Science Hub (TSH), a first-of-its-kind vaccine global research hub, in Queensland. The TSH will bring more expertise, supply-chain capabilities and clinical investigations to Queensland.

A Statement of Cooperation entered into by the foundational partners sets out the strategic intention to collectively catalyse the growth of Queensland’s biomedical ecosystem and maximise its potential economic uplift. Through the Statement of Cooperation, the partners are working together to secure the ecosystem benefits of the TSH. A Biomedical Ecosystem Strategy has been developed to capture the potential of Queensland’s biomedical ecosystem.

Other industry support

We’re helping Queensland biomedical small-to-medium businesses like yours find funding and support to help you grow. Assistance programs are often designed to be accessed throughout different stages of the business lifecycle, so you can find the right opportunity for your business.

Find out more about Team Queensland or read the why Queensland brochure ( 2.2 MB) to find out more about how we support Queensland businesses in the biomedical sector.

If you are unable to find the support you need in our industry support directory, please contact us.

Industry highlights

View more biomedical-related news and stories.