TIA is thrilled to announce that we have secured over $5.5M in funding from the New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland Governments through the NCRIS Support Program and Research Infrastructure Co-Investment Fund (RICF), respectively. 

Under the NSW NCRIS Support Program, researchers and industries will gain access to advanced Cell and Gene Therapies at Tech Central and Westmead Precincts, alongside RNA Products Capability at the UNSW RNA Institute. 

The funding will enhance access to critical cell and gene therapy process development capabilities, pivotal for translating research breakthroughs into potential products. Leveraging existing expertise, the funding will drive the development of closed-system manufacturing capabilities, essential for both process development and clinical-grade product manufacturing. Additionally, it will support the establishment of GMP compliant cold storage facilities, vital for conducting clinical trials. 

Moreover, this investment will enhance capabilities in RNA-based therapeutics manufacturing and quality control, through initiatives such as recruiting and training skilled technical staff, procuring and upgrading equipment, and conducting business development and outreach activities. This investment will strengthen sovereign manufacturing capacity for RNA-based therapeutics, not only within NSW but also across Australia, empowering the nation to develop its own mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. 

RICF funding from the Queensland Government will enable TIA’s small molecules facilities located at Griffith University and the University of Queensland to establish a Queensland Drug Discovery Alliance (QDDA). The QDDA initiative aims to expedite the translation of Queensland’s drug discovery pipeline, provide workforce training, and position the state as a frontrunner in therapeutic drug discovery and development within the Asia-Pacific region. 

“We are incredibly grateful for supports from the NSW and Queensland state governments,” said Dr Stuart Newman, CEO of TIA. 

“These investments will enable our facilities to continue to operate and build capacity and capability – ensuring Australian researchers and industry have continued access to the critical infrastructure they need.  

“This will help bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and real-world applications, facilitating the translation of discoveries from universities, research institutes, and startup biotech firms into tangible benefits for patients.“