BioNSW launches BioInvest Catalyst events to supercharge life sciences investment in NSW

Sydney, NSW – March 28, 2025 – BioNSW, a rapidly growing membership-based organisation representing the companies and professionals of the NSW Medtech and Life Sciences sector, is pleased to launch its inaugural BioInvest Catalyst event. This three-part event series aims to transform the future of life sciences investment in New South Wales, by fostering deeper engagement between investors and life science entrepreneurs, unlocking new capital streams that facilitate rapid acceleration of sector growth.

The inaugural BioInvest Catalyst dinner, which took place on March 27th, is the first in a series of three engagements planned for 2025, including a mid-year follow-up event and a formal pitch event in November. This structured approach aims to foster meaningful connections, ultimately translating into investment deals, capital deployment, and an accelerated expansion of the life sciences ecosystem in NSW.

The state of New South Wales plays a pivotal role in the nation’s biotechnology, medical technology, and pharmaceutical sectors. It is home to 40% of Australia’s life sciences companies (totalling 2,905 nationwide) – supporting over 32,000 direct, high-value jobs and more than 100,000 indirect roles.

Dr Brad Walsh, Chair and Co-Founder of BioNSW, said: “BioNSW was established to champion and accelerate the life sciences sector in NSW, and I am pleased to see the Investment Committee delivering on this commitment to our members. The sector is thriving in NSW, providing important, lifesaving medicines, medical devices and diagnostics for patients around the globe. The BioInvest Catalyst events encompass the first step in a broader strategy to increase sector-specific funding and drive long-term growth.”

Despite recording $2.6 billion in venture capital deals across 203 deals in 2024, only a fraction of this funding has been directed towards life sciences in the state of NSW. “We have identified a knowledge gap shared by a variety of investors. Namely, a greater understanding of the life science investment opportunities, and the appreciation for the potential returns and societal benefits life science companies will provide. There is certainly appetite from investors to participate in life sciences in a way they otherwise wouldn’t have,” said Dr Walsh.

The BioInvest Catalyst series aligns with national strategies to position Australia as a leader in the global life sciences industry, contributing to the sector’s already impressive $8.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy in 2023, growing at a 6.3% annual rate since 2016.

With an unmatched pool of 30,000+ highly skilled professionals, groundbreaking innovations, and a booming venture capital ecosystem, NSW is primed to become Australia’s life sciences investment hub. BioNSW will continue to supercharge the sector to reach new heights.

Media Contact

Evelyn Yang

0432 871 726

Evelyn.yang@irdepartment.com.au

About BioNSW

BioNSW is a rapidly growing, not-for-profit membership-based organisation representing the companies and professionals of the NSW Medtech and Life Sciences Sector. Our mission includes three strategic pillars – to Connect, Promote and Represent the NSW Medtech and Life Sciences sector.

We are dedicated to harnessing the full potential of the NSW industry sector by catalysing innovation, investment, skills and jobs for economic growth, prosperity and a healthier NSW Community.