NSW showcases biotechnology sector at national conference

The NSW life sciences sector will be showcased at one of Australia’s largest biotechnology conference in Adelaide, in an effort to attract more biotech business to NSW.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner said 95 companies and research institutions from NSW will be joined by the NSW Government at the 2011 AusBiotech National Conference in Adelaide from 16 to 19 October.

“The biotechnology industry makes a significant contribution to the NSW economy and is continuing to grow, both here and internationally,” Stoner said.

“Biotechnology is used across a range of industries including agriculture and food production, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, renewable energies and mining - creating highly skilled jobs and bringing significant benefits to the NSW economy.

“NSW has a thriving agri-food industry, with around 42,000 farm-based, fishing and food processing businesses across the state generating nearly $33 billion in annual sales and services income.

“NSW is also an international leader for the biomedical sector and recognised as the epicentre of Australia’s medical device industry, with around $2.5 billion worth of medical devices, pharmaceuticals and medicinal products exported from NSW in 2009-10.

“The NSW Government recognises the importance of biotechnology to these industries, identified as key areas of the manufacturing sector - one of the first sectors targeted under the government’s new Industry Action Plans.

“The AusBiotech National Conference is an important opportunity to showcase the breadth of the state’s biotechnology capabilities to domestic and international markets and promote NSW as a leading destination for biotech business,” Stoner said.

The conference program includes an investment summit for biotech companies to pitch to potential investors and a series of presentations on industry developments and emerging technologies.

More than 1500 delegates from 20 countries are expected to attend the AusBiotech 2011 National Conference.

For more information on AusBiotech, please visit the website.