Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie is the new Chair of Brandon BioCatalyst, a collaboration of more than 50 of Australia and New Zealand’s leading medical research institutes, hospitals and universities.
Brandon BioCatalyst CEO and Brandon Capital Managing Partner Chris Nave said Mr Beattie would replace one of the “founding fathers of Australian venture capital” Bill Ferris, who was retiring from the role.
“With Peter Beattie now at the helm, Brandon BioCatalyst remains focused on building a globally competitive life sciences ecosystem – one that attracts patient capital, delivers returns for investors, creates opportunities for skilled talent, and drives meaningful improvements in people’s health,” Dr Nave said.
He said the changes come at an important time for Brandon BioCatalyst, as its manager, Brandon Capital, recently announced the raising of a $439 million sixth fund that included $150 million from the National Reconstruction Fund to support early-stage and scaling of Australian biotech companies.
“As Australia looks to lift productivity, the link between innovation and economic performance has never been clearer.
“Each biotech that reaches a new milestone sets off a cycle of progress, attracting the talent, capturing the IP and building the capability that sets the stage for future breakthroughs.”
Dr Nave said Mr Beattie was a long-time champion of innovation, biotech and medical research, having developed and championed the Queensland Smart State strategy that set up the Medical Research Institutes.
Mr Beattie said Australia punched above its weight in medical research.
“Now we’ve got to make sure we’re punching just as hard in biotech commercialisation.
“I’m focused on ensuring Australia’s biotech innovations are equipped with the capital, capabilities, and connections needed to retain lasting value in Australia.
“Queensland’s Smart State strategy showed what’s possible.”
