The Queensland Government has unveiled the first two successful projects to receive funding under Queensland's $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund, aimed at strengthening the state's biomedical manufacturing capabilities and creating new jobs.
The Queensland Government has unveiled the first two successful projects to receive funding under Queensland's $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund, aimed at strengthening the state's biomedical manufacturing capabilities and creating new jobs.
More than $17 million has been committed across the two projects, which are expected to position Queensland as a global force in advanced manufacturing, life sciences and next-generation medical treatments.
The largest investment - more than $15.25 million - will support biotech company AdvanCell in establishing Australia's first sovereign manufacturing capability for Thorium-228, a critical isotope used in targeted alpha therapies for cancer treatment.
The project is set to make Queensland one of the few places in the world capable of producing Thorium-228 at commercial scale, while generating 79 new jobs.
A further $2.2 million has been awarded to Southern RNA for its FlexFill project, which will create Queensland's first semi-automated sterile fill-and-finish platform. The facility will provide the final manufacturing stage needed to convert drug substances into patient-ready clinical products - a capability currently only available interstate.
Southern RNA's new platform will be capable of filling up to 2,000 vials per batch and is expected to support therapeutic developers progressing products through clinical trials. The project will create 18 jobs.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the investments demonstrated the government's commitment to rebuilding Queensland's sovereign manufacturing strength and supporting high-value industries.
He said the projects would help secure local supply chains, attract investment and reinforce Queensland's standing as a leader in biomedical innovation and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Mr Bleijie said developing sovereign capability had become increasingly important amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions and international instability.
He said the government had encouraged industry to put forward ambitious ideas and was now backing projects capable of delivering long-term economic and health benefits for Queensland.
Life Sciences Queensland Chair Professor Frank Gannon said the funding highlighted the global potential of Queensland's life sciences sector.
Professor Gannon said AdvanCell and Southern RNA were already making important contributions in emerging areas such as radiopharmaceuticals and RNA therapeutics, which are reshaping cancer treatment worldwide.
AusBiotech chief executive Rebekah Cassidy said the announcement reinforced Queensland's reputation as a growing hub for life sciences innovation, research excellence and commercial opportunity.
She said the investments would help attract global investment while supporting future health and economic outcomes across Australia.
AdvanCell Managing Director Australia Andrew Adamovich said the funding represented a strong endorsement of the company's work and Queensland's role in advanced manufacturing.
He said the investment would support the expansion of a secure radioisotope supply chain and position Queensland as a global leader in the field.
Southern RNA co-founder and managing director Chris Peck said building the capability locally would help reduce delays and improve patient access to emerging therapies.
Mr Peck said the project would make a significant difference for patients and families waiting for potentially life-changing treatments, particularly children involved in clinical trials.
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