Home-grown success story opens world-leading R&D lab in Macquarie Park
Australian industrial biotechnology leader MicroBioGen have officially opened their new state-of-the-art laboratories in Macquarie Park.
A spin off from Macquarie University research, the company produces world-leading micro-organisms which are essential to industries worth over $2 trillion per year, including biofuels, alternatives proteins, space exploration, sustainable human food and animal feed.
MicoBioGen CEO Geoff Bell toured Federal MP for Bennelong Jerome Laxale and Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Senator Jenny McAllister around their Waterloo Road facility on Friday, 14 October.
MicroBioGen’s new labs represent a significant investment by the company in the heart of Australia's original innovation district. The 1,250 square metre facility will enhance MicroBioGen's scientific workforce space and capabilities to around 40 scientists including geneticists, and biofuel and baking specialists.
The dedicated R&D facility includes fermentation labs, a genetics lab and large preparation rooms, all equipped with the latest technology including robots, high performance liquid chromatography and minus 80C˚ freezers.
Speaking in 2021, Mr Bell said MicroBioGen's products could reduce the cost of making biofuels by as much as 25 per cent:
"We want to turn Sydney into an industrial biotech hub. Our competitive advantage is we spent 15 years developing this technology, and for others to catch up it will take them 10 to 15 years to do it,” said Mr Bell.
Mark Ames, General Manager at Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District said Macquarie Park was a natural home for MicroBioGen:
"I hope the MicroBioGen team will feel right at home in their new Macquarie Park facility. They're in good company, with other world-leading researchers, manufacturers and connected talent based here, too. Macquarie Park is a living culture of innovation, as this investment by MicroBioGen proves."
