Geelong biotech cluster receives $50,000 grant

The Geelong Region Biotechnology Cluster Project has received a $50,000 Regional Innovation Clusters Program grant from the Victorian government to support its growth.

The grant will assist the BioGeelong biotechnology cluster, formed in 2004, to conduct six special events, five in Geelong and one in Melbourne, at different biotechology companies, creating opportunities to network.

"It will also involve a biotechnology skills workshop to get a better understanding of the skills gaps and industry demands, and a feasibility study into the appropriate location for a centralised biotechnology resource in Geelong open to industry, academic and research institutions," said Victorian state and regional development minister John Brumby in a statement.

BioGeelong aims to:

• Facilitate biotechnology industry development in the Geelong region in partnership with appropriate local, state and federal agencies.
• Promote the region's biotech strengths and opportunities, and celebrate its successes.
• Make available a fertile networking environment for stakeholder collaboration.

"The Geelong region has Victoria's largest biotechnology capability outside Melbourne, with 300 local researchers attracting approximately $18 million per year in external research funding," said Brumby.