- Published:
- Friday 21 November 2025 at 3:55 pm
The Allan Labor Government is backing one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies to boost Victoria’s clinical mRNA manufacturing capability, creating local jobs and reinforcing the state’s position as a leader in next-generation vaccine and therapeutic development.
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson officially opened BioNTech’s research and development mRNA manufacturing facility and attended a topping out ceremony of BioNTech’s neighbouring state-of-the-art clinical mRNA manufacturing facility.
The facilities are key components of Victoria’s partnership with BioNTech, which will create 1,200 jobs over the next 10 years and boost economic growth across the state.
The BioNTech R&D manufacturing facility will produce research-grade RNA to accelerate the
translation of research into clinical use, while the clinical mRNA manufacturing facility will deliver next-generation mRNA vaccines and treatments for clinical trials.
Both of the facilities are located at La Trobe University’s Bundoora Campus and will support research and development of various diseases, including infectious diseases, rare diseases and cancer, supporting the translation of research into medical breakthroughs.
The R&D manufacturing facility will partner with researchers and biotech companies from across Australia, the Asia Pacific region and globally to accelerate the translation of research into clinical use.
The BioNTech clinical mRNA manufacturing facility, set to be completed by the end of 2026, is an anchor tenant of La Trobe University’s $5 billion University City precinct at Bundoora. The facility is a key component of BioNTech's strategic partnership with the Labor Government.
These advancements follow the opening of BioNTech’s Innovation Centre in Melbourne last year and the launch of a new Clinical Trial Oncology Platform that is improving access to certain next-generation investigational cancer treatments.
Victoria is the only place in the world where both mRNA global leaders – Moderna and BioNTech – have chosen to establish research and development and manufacturing operations.
The Labor Government has invested more than $1 billion towards health and medical research over the past decade – driving growth in the sector, creating jobs and supporting incredible breakthroughs in treatment and care.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson
"This is a pivotal moment for Victoria as we advance our capacity to deliver cutting-edge mRNA treatments to patients faster than ever before."
“Being the only place in the world to host both mRNA global leaders shows that Victoria is leading the future of medical innovation.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks
“It’s great to see BioNTech investing in Bundoora, placing our community at the centre of world-leading medical innovation."
Quotes attributable to BioNTech Chief Operating Officer Dr Sierk Poetting
“The opening of our R&D facility and the construction of our clinical mRNA manufacturing facility demonstrate BioNTech’s commitment to turning innovative science into meaningful treatments for patients.”
“By collaborating with Victoria’s strong life sciences sector, we are building the infrastructure needed to support clinical trials and advance the development of mRNA-based medicines. Today’s event marks an important step toward fostering medical innovation in the region.”
Quotes attributable to La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell
“As a university highly invested in health research as well as AI and digital innovation, La Trobe is the perfect location for BioNTech’s mRNA facilities.
“I’m delighted to welcome BioNTech to La Trobe’s University City innovation precinct, where groundbreaking research and developments in mRNA vaccines and therapies will connect with La Trobe’s world-leading expertise in AI and health via our Australian Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Innovation (ACAMI).”