News from the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator

Reflecting on a formative year

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on what has been a formative year for the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator (SBA). Together, we have laid the foundations for a world-class research and innovation facility that will transform the future of health and biomedical sciences. 

In May, we broke ground on the SBA site, and despite challenging weather, our construction partner Richard Crookes Constructions continues to make excellent progress toward our 2028 completion target.  

At the same time, we piloted new commercialisation and industry engagement programs, including the SBA Venture Studio, which is already supporting its first two projects on the path to becoming investable ventures.  
Recruitment for the SBA Executive Director role attracted outstanding local and international talent, and we look forward to announcing an appointment in the new year. 

Design work continues to advance, with more than 20 user groups and consultation with over 200 end users, ensuring the facility will meet research, education, translation and industry needs when operational in late 2028. Beyond the building itself, we are collaborating with the NSW Government and private partners to shape the future of life sciences within Tech Central, reinforcing the SBA’s role as a catalyst for discovery, translation, and commercialisation. 

We extend our sincere thanks to all those from the University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, and our network who have contributed to these achievements. Your time, expertise and commitment are instrumental in shaping the SBA’s design, capabilities and programs.  

As we head into the festive season, we wish everyone in our SBA network a safe and happy holiday, however you choose to spend it.  

Mark Scott AO
Vice-Chancellor and President
University of Sydney

Deb Willcox AM
Chief Executive
Sydney Local Health District

Construction update

Richard Crookes Constructions has made significant progress since commencement on-site. Bulk excavation and in-ground structural works are nearing completion, and our first tower crane was successfully installed in December. A second crane and the first major concrete pour are scheduled for early 2026, marking important milestones as the building begins to take shape. 

Dr Joy Francisco speaking on the panel at the summit.

National Health & Innovation Precincts Summit

Sydney Local Health District’s Chief Commercial Officer Dr Joy Francisco represented the SBA partnership on a panel at the National Health & Innovation Precincts Summit in Melbourne in December. Speaking on ‘Innovation pipelines & navigating the commercialisation journey,’ Joy reinforced the benefits of the District and the University working together to bring our clinical priorities, research and translation into alignment. 

News from the biomedical research community

Professor Richard Payne in the lab.

ARC Centre of Excellence in protein engineering

The University of Sydney will lead a $35 million Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Peptide and Protein Engineering under the direction of Professor Richard Payne. Leveraging emerging technologies and a global competitive advantage, this ARC Centre of Excellence aims to transform the engineering and translation of peptides and proteins – molecules essential for all life on Earth – for human and planetary benefit. Read more.

Enhanced Analgesics win at InnovationAus Awards

Biotech innovator and University of Sydney startup Enhanced Analgesics has won the HealthTech Award at the 2025 InnovationAus Awards for Excellence, prevailing in one of the most competitive categories featuring transformative, life-changing technologies. The award recognises Enhanced Analgesics’ commitment to transforming pain management through cutting-edge RNA and nanoparticle technologies. Read more.

Presenter Troy Steer with Enhanced Analgesics' Lipin Loo, Julius Juarez, commercialisation manager Emma-Louise Hunsley and Greg Neely. Image courtesy of InnovationAus.

Artist's impression of the Susan and Isaac Wakil Bridge connecting the SBA's Isaac Wakil Biomedical Building with the Susan Wakil Health Building.

Did you know?

The SBA covers 36,000m2 across the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital grounds and the University of Sydney campus. Spanning eight levels, the SBA will physically connect to the hospital on level three and the University’s Susan Wakil Health Building at levels one through four.

The Sydney Biomedical Accelerator is a visionary partnership between the University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District and the NSW Government bringing together clinicians, researchers, academics and industry to solve the most complex health problems of today, tomorrow and the future.

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