NSW government backs biotech startup Inventia for new manufacturing hub in Sydney

Deep tech biomedical research startup Inventia Life Science is building a new laboratory, R&D and manufacturing hub in Sydney with support from the NSW government.

The biotech printing company will create more than 75 new jobs as it expands from 430 sq metres to around 1500sqm at what will also be Inventia’s Australian HQ in the industrial suburb of Alexandria. 

Inventia is a a global leader in 3D cell culture and  bioprinting that creates tools for advanced biomedical discovery today.  They build printers and formulate bioinks that allow human cells to be printed in three dimensional structures to create human tissue for research and therapy purposes for cancer research, drug discovery and medicines.

The development was backed by the NSW Government’s Jobs Plus Program.

An artist’s impression of the new Inventia labs in Sydney’s Alexandria

Last year Inventia raises $35 million in a Series B led by Blackbird Ventures, supported by Skip Capital, the family VC of Kim Jackson and Atlassian’s Scott Farquhar; and healthcare super fund HESTA.

The support will go towards infrastructure to increase Inventia’s current manufacturing  capacity for its international commercial expansion.

The company is currently transitioning from an initial soft-launch phase of RASTRUM 3D bioprinter, and biomaterials to a full commercial scale-up. 

Founder and CEO Dr Julio Ribeiro said the business has seen strong international and domestic demand from top 10 pharmaceutical companies and research institutes for RASTRUM.

“We are delighted by the support we have been given by the NSW Government. As a result of the Jobs  Plus grant we have been able to scale-up our production capabilities, employ more highly skilled people  including biologists, software and mechanical engineers and take this revolutionary technology to the world,” he said.

“Inventia’s drop-on-demand 3D bioprinting technology is the most advanced and precise 3D printing of  its kind in the world. It is well placed to consolidate Australia as a global leader in this field. These  additional funds will help us cement Australia’s position and expand our global presence.” 

Dr Ribeiro said new roles across the company in life science, manufacturing and production, go-to market, finance and operations, software engineering and customer support will be developed when the facility opens next year.  

The government funds will also be used to expand support for training programs for new employees to upskill their knowledge in deep technical engineering and product management. 

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