This project aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of biotechnology sector opportunities in the Region and prepare a strategy detailing how actions are implemented to support and facilitate the business development of the sector.

During preparation of the G21 Strategic Plan, the Economic Development Pillar identified further development of Geelong''s biotechnology industry as a key project given its potential as a source of jobs, income and export growth.

Geelong has an exciting and growing biotechnology sector, which includes organisations such as ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals, Deakin University, Barwon Health and CSIRO. There are over 300 bioscience related researchers in the Geelong region with an estimated total annual wages and salaries of $15 million.

The Biotechnology Opportunities Study 2004 recognises that there is a strong foundation for further growth of biotechnology and related areas of biosciences in the Geelong region. The City of Greater Geelong in conjunction with key local stakeholders will be working towards the establishment of a BioGeelong Network to further progress the development of this important knowledge based industry.

The aim is to help establish Geelong as a major Victorian biotechnology precinct and to be a key player in the State Government''s Biotechnology Strategy vision to position Victoria as one of the top five Biotechnology locations in the world by 2010.

G21 at Commonwealth Games? (Pillar to Pillar article, October 2005)

Smart Geelong Network Expo Success.pdf (Pillar to Pillar article, October 2005)

BioGeelong on BioSecurity (Launch of BioGeelong, Pillar to Pillar article, August 2005)

Smart Geelong Network create Research and Learning Expo (Pillar to Pillar article, August 2005)

Researcher of the Year Awards Dinner (Pillar to Pillar article, August 2005)

Pillar to Pillar April 2005.pdf (Article - BioGeelong: The opportunities and challenges ahead)