HONOURABLE LEEANNE ENOCH MP - … – Los Angeles Venture Association ... The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP, Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and

1

REPORT TO PARLIAMENT

OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

17 TO 23 JUNE 2017

THE HONOURABLE LEEANNE ENOCH MP

MINISTER FOR INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND THE DIGITAL ECONOMY AND MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Report to Parliament – Official Visit to the United States of America, - 17 to 23 June 2017 The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP, Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OFFICIAL DELEGATION ............................................................................................... 3

ITINERARY ................................................................................................................. 4

SATURDAY, 17 JUNE 2017 - SAN DIEGO ..................................................................... 6

QUT Alumni Dinner ........................................................................................................................................ 6

SUNDAY, 18 JUNE 2017 – SAN DIEGO ........................................................................ 7

Trade and Investment Queensland briefing ................................................................................................. 7 Pre-Lunch meeting with Melinda Richter, JLABS ....................................................................................... 8 QUT Biotechnology Lunch ............................................................................................................................ 9 Patheon Biologics meeting ......................................................................................................................... 10 MIT Bootcamp meeting ................................................................................................................................ 11 Queensland VIP Welcome Reception ......................................................................................................... 12

MONDAY, 19 JUNE 2017 – SAN DIEGO ..................................................................... 13

Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) breakfast ............................................................................................... 13 University of California San Diego (UCSD) meetings and site tour ......................................................... 14 EY meeting .................................................................................................................................................... 15 Australian Pavilion visit ............................................................................................................................... 16 Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) dinner .................................................................... 17

TUESDAY, 20 JUNE 2017 – SAN DIEGO..................................................................... 18

OWIN breakfast ............................................................................................................................................. 18 Impedimed meeting ...................................................................................................................................... 19 BIO Global Markets Opening Plenary Panel Session (Speaker) .............................................................. 20 Hera Hub meeting ......................................................................................................................................... 20 Australian Networking Event @ Australian Pavilion ................................................................................. 21 Global Leaders Reception ........................................................................................................................... 21 San Diego Startup Week Keynote ............................................................................................................... 22

WEDNESDAY, 21 JUNE 2017 – LOS ANGELES ........................................................... 23

LAVA – Los Angeles Venture Association ................................................................................................. 23 Amplify.LA meeting ...................................................................................................................................... 23

PHOTOS .................................................................................................................. 24

MEDIA RELEASES .................................................................................................... 30


3

Official Delegation The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business

Mr Jamie Merrick

Director-General Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation


4

Itinerary Time is in local time

Saturday 17 June 2017 10.20am – 6:00am Depart Brisbane for Los Angeles Qantas Flight QF 15

8:25am – 9:33am Depart Los Angeles for San Diego Delta Airlines DL5840

6.00pm – 9:00pm QUT Alumni Dinner Bice Ristorante, 425 Island Avenue, San Diego

Sunday 18 June 2017 11:00am – 11:30am Trade and Investment Queensland

Briefing Westin Gas Lamp Quarter, 91 Broadway Circuit

11:30am – 12:00pm Pre-lunch meeting with QUT and Keynote Speaker, Melinda Richter, JLABS

Westin Gas Lamp Quarter, 91 Broadway Circuit

12:00pm – 2:00pm QUT Biotechnology Lunch Westin Gas Lamp Quarter, 91 Broadway Circuit

2:30pm – 3:00pm Patheon meeting Westin Gas Lamp Quarter, 91 Broadway Circuit

3:15pm – 4:15pm MIT Bootcamp Mentors meeting Westin Gas Lamp Quarter, 91 Broadway Circuit

5:30pm – 8:30pm Queensland VIP Welcome Reception Marriot Marquis, San Diego Marina

Monday 19 June 2017 7.00am – 8:30am Life Sciences Queensland Breakfast The University Club Atop

Symphony Towers, 750B Street, Suite 3400, San Diego

10:00am – 12:30pm University of California San Diego 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla

2:30pm – 3:00pm Glenn Giovanetti, EY meeting San Diego Convention Center

3:15pm – 4:30pm Australian Pavilion Stand visit San Diego Convention Center

6:30pm – 9:30pm MRCF Dinner San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego


5

Tuesday 20 June 2017 7.00am – 8:30am OWIN Breakfast meeting Marriott Marquis, San Diego

Marina, San Diego

9.00am – 9:30am Impedimed meeting Marriott Marquis, San Diego Marina , San Diego

10.30am – 11:30am BIO Global Markets Opening Plenary Panel Session (Speaker)

San Diego Convention Center

2:30pm – 3:30pm Hera Hub Mission Valley meeting 8885 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego

4:00pm – 5:00pm Australian Networking Event San Diego Convention Center

5:30pm – 6:30pm Celebrating Global Leaders Reception

The Palm Court at the US Grant, 326 Broadway San Diego

7.30pm – 9:30pm Startup Week San Diego Keynote and Reception

Symphony Hall, 750 B Street, San Diego

Wednesday 21 June 2017 10:15am – 11:15am Depart San Diego for Los Angeles Delta Airlines DL5686

2:30pm – 3:30pm Los Angeles Venture Association meeting

1453 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica

5:00pm – 6:00pm Amplify.LA meeting Level 2, 1600 Main St, Venice

11:20pm Depart Los Angeles for Brisbane Qantas QF16 Friday 23 June 2016

6.10am Arrive Brisbane International Airport Brisbane International Airport

Official Visit Concludes


6

Saturday, 17 June 2017 - San Diego

QUT Alumni Dinner Date: 17 June 2017 Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm Attendees:

• Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier and Minister for the Arts • Professor Peter Coaldrake AO, Vice-Chancellor, QUT • Professor Arun Sharma, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, QUT • Mario Pennisi, CEO, Life Sciences Queensland • QUT staff / QUT Alumni living in the United States

Background: • It is estimated that over 2000 QUT alumni (predominantly Australian expatriates) reside

in the United States. Many of these alumni work in mid to senior level roles in prominent companies across a diverse range of industries and professions.

• The presence of a QUT contingent in the US to attend the 2017 BIO Convention offered a unique opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor to host 3 alumni dinners (San Francisco, San Diego and New York).

• These activities aimed to increase the engagement and connection with alumni in other areas.

• Alumni attendees represented programs from five faculties. Event Summary: • The dinner included a presentation on QUT highlights and related discussion.

• Mr Greg Creed, CEO, Yum! Brands was the guest speaker for the event.


7

Sunday, 18 June 2017 – San Diego

Trade and Investment Queensland briefing Date: 18 June 2017 Time: 11:00am – 11:30am Attendees:

• Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier and Minister for the Arts Meeting Summary: • David Camerlengo, Trade Investment Commissioner of North America provided the

Premier and Minister Enoch with an overview of the meetings and events to be held during the mission to the United States.


8

Pre-Lunch meeting with Melinda Richter, JLABS Date: 18 June 2017 Time: 11:30am – 12:00pm Attendees:

• Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier and Minister for the Arts • Matt Burnett, Mayor of Gladstone • Dr Melinda Richter, Head of Johnson & Johnson JLABS • Kathy Connell, Senior Director New Ventures ANZ, Johnson & Johnson • Professor Peter Coaldrake AO, Vice-Chancellor, QUT • Professor Arun Sharma, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, QUT • Professor Ross Young, Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, QUT • Professor Lyn Griffiths, Director, Health and Biomedical Innovation, QUT • Professor Michael Collins, School of Optometry, Faculty of Health, QUT

Background: • The purpose of the meeting was to provide an opportunity for the Premier to meet Ms

Melinda Richter, keynote speaker at the QUT Biotechnology Luncheon to be held immediately after this meeting.

• QUT’s strategic relationship with Johnson & Johnson includes hosting the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Partnering Office at the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Kelvin Grove and linkage with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (J&JVC) through the myopia research project undertaken at QUT’s School of Optometry.

• Queensland Government provides funding for the Johnson & Johnson Partnering Office through Advance Queensland.

Meeting Summary: • The meeting discussed QUT international collaborations in life sciences, including

relationships with Johnson & Johnson and key messages at the luncheon.

• QUT’s continued success in using international collaboration to help translate the university’s life sciences research into health outcomes was recognised.

• Queensland Government’s objectives for the BIO mission and the strategic role of Advance Queensland were discussed.


9

QUT Biotechnology Lunch Date: 18 June 2017 Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm Attendees:

• Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier and Minister for the Arts • Matt Burnett, Mayor of Gladstone • Professor Peter Coaldrake AO, Vice-Chancellor, QUT • Dr Melinda Richter, Head of Johnson & Johnson JLABS • Queensland BIO 2017 delegates

Background:

• QUT has hosted this annual luncheon for over 10 years to welcome Queensland

delegates and their collaborators to the BIO International Convention.

• The event provides an opportunity for QUT to showcase its strengths in medical, agricultural and industrial biotechnology and also lays a foundation for a number of partnership and investment conversations that take place during the conference.

• This event has serves as a celebration of the significant presence of Queensland at the BIO International Convention.

• Attendees include senior university managers, government officials, industry partners, investors and research collaborators.

Event Summary: • The Premier spoke at the event.

• The event showcased the international impact QUT is having in life sciences, in particular through the strategic collaborations with Johnson & Johnson.

• Queensland Government’s life sciences research capability, significant achievements, Advance Queensland program and the state’s biodiversity were highlighted at the lunch.

• The Premier witnessed the signing of an agreement between QUT and US-based MDx for a new oral cancer diagnostic, based on the work of QUT’s Professor Chamindie Punyadeera.


10

Patheon Biologics meeting Date: 18 June 2017 Time: 2:30pm – 3:00pm Attendees:

• John Foy, VP Business Management, Patheon Biologics • Tertia Dex, Director Project Management, Patheon Biologics

Background: • Patheon Biologics (formerly DSM Biologics) has partnered with BioPharmaceuticals

Australia (BPA), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Queensland Government, to operate a $65 million mammalian cell Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) contract manufacturing facility in Brisbane.

• Patheon is positioned as a “one-stop-shop” for pharmaceutical development services including early-stage preclinical testing, manufacturing for clinical trials and the market, and final product formulation.

Meeting Summary: • The May 2017 announcement of Thermo Fisher’s acquisition of Patheon Biologics was

discussed. Patheon Biologics will be adding new capability to Thermo Fisher that does not currently exist. Equally, Patheon Biologics current customers will gain access to additional services (e.g. clinical research, storage).

• The Queensland Government’s strong and ongoing commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the local industry was reinforced.

• The important role Patheon Biologics is providing through access to state of the art mammalian cell culture manufacturing for the development of new therapeutics from preclinical stage right through to approved products in the market was recognised.

• Patheon Biologics provided feedback on areas that it feels the Queensland Government could focus on in the life sciences space. These areas include undertaking an Advance Manufacturing gap analysis; funding/supporting work on cell therapy technologies and post development manufacturability of products.


11

MIT Bootcamp meeting Date: 18 June 2017 Time: 3:15pm – 4:15pm Attendees:

• Erdin Beshimov, Founder and Director, MIT Bootcamps Program • Luciano da Silveira Araujo, CEO, Elio Technologia and Strategic

Partnerships Manager – Brazil, MIT • Professor Peter Coaldrake AO, Vice-Chancellor, QUT • Professor Arun Sharma, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, QUT • Tim McClennan, CEO, QUTbluebox • Mike McArdle, Director, Office of Research, QUT

Background: • Queensland Government, through Advance Queensland, is provided A$300,000 per

year to QUT to secure for the MIT Bootcamp for 2017, 2018 and 2019.

• QUT contribute additional cash and in-kind contributions.

• The funding agreement includes provision of three scholarships to attend the MIT Bootcamp with at least one of the scholarships offered to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

• Two Queensland startups were formed from the 2017 bootcamp and are progressing their business ideas post-bootcamp: - EZBT – non-invasive wearable device to monitor blood glucose levels - InConfidence – non-invasive wearable device to treat incontinence.

Meeting Summary: • Feedback on the MIT Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp held in Queensland in March

2017 was provided to Queensland Government. The outstanding relationship between MIT, QUT and the Queensland Government was highlighted.

• Discussion focussed on the upcoming MIT Bootcamps, scheduled for February 2018. MIT is keen to incorporate company problems to be solved in future bootcamps.

• Additional areas of focus for MIT discussed included linking high school students to MIT entrepreneurship capability and designing programs for first nation/marginalised groups within remote and regional Queensland.

• MIT and QUT will work with Queensland Government to further explore these opportunities.


12

Queensland VIP Welcome Reception Date: 18 June 2017 Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm Attendees:

• Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier and Minister for the Arts • Matt Burnett, Mayor of Gladstone • Glenn Cross, CEO, AusBiotech • Dr Melinda Richter, Head of Johnson & Johnson JLABS • Queensland BIO 2017 Delegates

Background: • Queensland has conducted missions to BIO for the past 17 years, and established the

Queensland VIP Welcome Reception as one of the signature events leading up to the start of each BIO convention.

• The event has maintained Queensland's global profile by attracting a significant number of high-level international delegates to the reception and providing Queensland delegates with a valuable networking opportunity.

• Johnson and Johnson Innovation (J&JI) is a new sponsor of the Queensland event. Meeting Summary: • Both the Premier and Minister spoke at the event.

• Queensland's capabilities in the life sciences and continued commitment to developing the sector were highlighted.

• The event provided the opportunity to meet a number of leading international and business research institutions, some of whom already have partnerships with Queensland’s life sciences sector.

• Johnson & Johnson’s QUT Partnering Office 1-year anniversary was recognised and celebrated at the event.

• A number of actions will be progressed by the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, including working with Texas A&M in the United States and Coway in China to facilitate meetings and introductions when their delegations come to Queensland.


13

Monday, 19 June 2017 – San Diego

Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) breakfast Date: 19 June 2017 Time: 7:00am – 8:30am Attendees:

• Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier and Minister for the Arts • Matt Burnett, Mayor of Gladstone • Mario Pennisi, Chief Executive Officer, LSQ • Tony Conaghan, Senior Partner, Thomson Geer • Approximately 70 attendees

Background: • The yearly Business Breakfast is one of a number of targeted meetings hosted by LSQ

during BIO.

• The breakfast aims to enhance the profile of Queensland’s life sciences industry with investors and potential commercial partners, help inform the relevant policies of the Queensland Government, and the activities and decisions of its industry meetings.

Event Summary: • The key theme of this year’s breakfast was “Queensland – Your Passport to Life

Sciences”.

• Both the Premier and Minister spoke at the event.

• The breakfast was an interactive discussion that provided Queensland delegates an opportunity to showcase their capabilities to a select group of international biotechnology and pharmaceutical executives.

• The breakfast also provided an opportunity for the international business community to highlight current and future industry trends, and for these trends to be discussed in a Queensland context.

• The Minister witnessed the signing of two Memoranda of Understandings between LSQ and three regional life science related associations: AfricaBio, MAHRN and Genome Prairie.


14

University of California San Diego (UCSD) meetings and site tour Date: 19 June 2017 Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm Attendees:

• UCSD: - Professor Ramesh Rao, Director Qualcomm Institute, UCSD - Professor Rob Bitmead - Professor Susan Golden, California Centre for Algae Biotechnology - Professor Rob Knight, Knight Lab - Assoc. Vice Chancellor Paul Roben, Innovation and Commercialisation

Office - Stella Sung, Innovation and Commercialisation Office - Andy Kieatiwong, Co-founder and CEO, ARC - Patrik Schmidle, CEO, CARI Technologies

• Mike McArdle, Director, Office of Research, QUT • Nicholas Mathiou, Director, Griffith Enterprise • Professor Pankaj Sah, Director, Queensland Brain Institute, UQ • Mario Pennisi, CEO, Life Sciences Queensland

Background:

• UCSD attracts $1B in private research funding per annum. UCSD has launched over 650 companies utilising technology produced by the faculty, staff and alumni, including many San Diego biotech and technology firms

• The local San Diego community includes over 200 UCSD related companies.

• The university hosts incubation and innovation centres and is a recipient of the US Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for their algae and industrial biotech hubs.

Meeting Summary: • The visit to UCSD included:

• The California Centre for Algae and Biotechnology – focus on partnering algae research with businesses to get biofuels to market. The University of Queensland is one of the Centre’s four international research partners.

• The Knight Lab in the Biomedical Research facility – uses and develops state of the art computational and experimental techniques to ask fundamental questions about the evolution of the composition of biomolecules, genomes and communities in different ecosystems.

• Innovation and Commercialisation Office – campus-wide group formed to build a systemic and sustainable innovation culture and to accelerate the commercialisation of UCSD inventions.

• Qualcomm Institute Innovation Centre and meeting with two UCSD companies – incubates and accelerates collaborative technology creation and transfer. Provides support to all students launching a startup within UCSD, including under-graduates.

• The visit provided exposure to the business models and licensing agreements employed at UCSD which are significantly different to those used by Queensland universities.


15

EY meeting Date: 19 June 2017 Time: 2:30pm – 3:00pm Attendees:

• Glen Giovannetti, Research and Insights Leader – EY Knowledge, Massachusetts • Winna Brown, Boston Life Sciences Leader, EY • Jennifer Barker, Assurance Partner, EY Brisbane • Mario Pennisi, CEO, Life Sciences Queenslane

Background: • EY publishes reports on the biotechnology industry titled “Beyond Borders” for nearly 30

years.

• The reports provide a view of the trends in the global biotechnology industry, the interplay of these trends and future challenges.

• The last Beyond Borders report, titled “Beyond Borders – Returning to Earth” was published in 2016.

Meeting Summary: • At the meeting, the Minister was briefed on the key findings from EY’s Biotechnology

Report 2017: Beyond Borders – Staying the course.

• The meeting discussed future trends and potential implications for Queensland Government and industry.

• The Minister and department will consider the potential implications for the future development of the life sciences industry in Queensland and the future policy settings of the government.


16

Australian Pavilion visit Date: 19 June 2017 Time: 3:15pm – 4:30pm Attendees:

• Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier and Minister for the Arts • Matt Burnett, Mayor of Gladstone • 60-70 Queensland delegation representatives

Background: • The Australian Pavilion showcased Australia’s capabilities to the global industry.

• The Queensland section of the Pavilion was branded around Advance Queensland. The theme of the section was “Queensland: World-Class Location / Leading Innovation”.

• Life Sciences Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology exhibited in the Pavilion, as well as a significant proportion of the 100 strong delegation from Queensland who attended BIO2017.

Meeting Summary: • The event highlighted the significant Queensland presence at BIO2017 and provided the

Premier and Minister the opportunity to meet Queensland exhibitors and delegates.

• Both the Premier and Minister spoke at the event.


17

Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF) dinner Date: 19 June 2017 Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm Attendees:

• Dr Chris Nave, CEO, MRCF • Hon. John Brumby, former Premier of Victoria, Special Envoy to BIO2017 • Robert Horsman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, San Diego Zoo • Matt Burnett, Mayor of Gladstone

Background: • The MRCF dinner is an annual event at BIO. It attracts about 90 guests, mostly

Australian delegates to BIO, including university vice-chancellors.

• The Medical Research Commercialisation Fund is one of the few seed/startup funds dedicated to supporting the very early-stage opportunities emerging from Australia's medical research institutes and research hospitals.

• Advance Queensland is building a critical mass through the development of health and knowledge precincts and strategic alliances.

Event Summary: • The Minister spoke on the value of the MRCF to Queensland at the event.

• The dinner included a panel session on San Diego’s ‘Frozen Zoo’. San Diego Zoo has the largest and most diverse collection of its kind in the world, comprising 10,000 living cell cultures, oocytes, sperm and embryos. It is a crucial resource for facilitating advances in genetic and reproductive technology for population sustainability.


18

Tuesday, 20 June 2017 – San Diego

OWIN breakfast Date: 20 June 2017 Time: 7:00am – 8:30am Attendees:

• Brett Cornwell, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Commercialisation, Texas A&M University, United States

• Philippe Lachapelle, Director, Technological and Strategic Partnerships, Walloon Exports & Foreign Investments Agency (AWEX), Wallonia, Belgium

• Tan Hongxin, President, Coway International TechTrans Ltd, Beijing, China • Christian Bertachinni, University of Huntsville, Alabama, United States • Carter Wells, Vice President, Economic Development, Hudson Alpha

Institute for Biotechnology, Alabama, United States • Vincent Swinnen, Trade Commissioner for Sydney, AWEX, Belgium • Matt Burnett, Mayor of Gladstone

Background:

• The Open Worldwide Innovation Network (OWIN) is a not-for-profit innovation network seeking to promote market access, entrepreneurship and technology commercialisation. Texas A&M is the third largest university in the US, number one in applied agricultural

• The Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation (DSITI), acting for the Queensland Government agreed to become an executive member of OWIN for two years in late April 2016 at a cost of $70,500 (excluding GST). A certificate of OWIN membership was presented to the Minister during her US mission in May 2016.

• OWIN members are the third largest university in the US, Texas A&M; the Foreign Trade and Export Agency in one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation hubs, Wallonia in Belgium; and the commercialisation arm of Tsinghua University, one of China’s top universities.

Meeting Summary: • The meeting provided the opportunity to meet and form relationships with the other

OWIN members.

• The key focus of the meeting was a verbal presentation by each OWIN member on their innovation and life science infrastructure, and how that infrastructure could enhance the collective strengths of the network.

• The Minister opened the breakfast and was subsequently invited by each of the three other OWIN members to visit their respective organisations.

• Both China and Belgium are planning missions to Queensland. DSITI will work with both OWIN partners to facilitate meetings and introductions.

• Through OWIN, Queensland has direct contacts in and access to the Beijing-China, Belgium-European Union and Texas markets.


19

Impedimed meeting Date: 20 June 2017 Time: 9:00am – 9:45am Attendees:

• Richard Carreon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Impedimed • Morten Vigeland, Chief Financial Officer, Impedimed • Dennis Schlaht, SVP R&D and Technology, Impedimed

Background: • ImpediMed is a global company with offices in Pinkenba, Queensland and Carlsbad,

California.

• It develops bioimpedance devices for the assessment and monitoring of secondary lymphoedema - a chronic condition in which excess fluid (lymph) collects in tissues causing oedema (swelling), general health assessment, weight management and muscle wasting.

Meeting Summary: • Discussion focussed on the company’s development since its origin in Queensland,

including the value it continues to provide Queensland as it expands in the United States.

• Impedimed is about to launch its second generation device that will enable home-based testing and assessment for patients.

• The potential barriers for Queensland companies starting a presence in the United States were discussed, including the different regulatory requirements around reimbursement. Highlighted was the limited availability of information on the US health system lifecycle, including FDA, AMA Code and Private Payer processes.

• The Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation will work with Life Sciences Queensland and Impedimed to develop a US health system roadmap and hold a forum to explain the journey to Queensland companies looking to have a presence in the United States.


20

BIO Global Markets Opening Plenary Panel Session (Speaker) Date: 20 June 2017 Time: 10:45am – 11:30am Attendees:

• Natasha Loder, The Economist • Meir Pugatech, Managing Director and Founder, Pugatech Consilium • Hon. Mindaugas Sinkevicius, Minister of Economy of Lithuania • Hon. Dr Lino Baranao, Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive

Innovation of Argentina Background: • The topic of the plenary session was “What in the World Matters? The Challenge of

Spurring Innovation in Global Markets”.

• The plenary was a high level discussion of global leaders, lead by Natasha Loder. Meeting Summary: • The Minister presented an overview of key policies or initiatives that are contributing to

the development and growth of Queensland’s biotech sector.

Hera Hub meeting Date: 20 June 2017 Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm Attendees:

• Felena Hanson, Founder Background:

• Hera Hub was founded by Felena Hanson in 2011 and is the first international female-focused co-working space. Hera Hub currently has four United States locations, with Stockholm in Sweden, Orange County and Phoenix in the United States opening soon.

• Hera Hub provides entrepreneurial women with a productive, professional work and meeting space, where they can connect with a like-minded community.

Meeting Summary: • Over the last six years, Hera Hub has supported 3,000 members.

• Discussion focussed on Hera Hub’s business model, company philosophy and location design.

• Opportunity for a Queensland Hera Hub was discussed, including the foundational requirements, assessment process and licensing model.

• Felena Hanson was invited to be a speaker at Myriad 2018.


21

Australian Networking Event @ Australian Pavilion Date: 20 June 2017 Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm Attendees:

• Queensland BIO 2017 delegates and partner organisations Background: • The Australian Networking Event provides Queensland delegates the opportunity to host

and network with other BIO delegates and potential partner organisations. Meeting Summary: • The development of a new Memorandum of Understanding was raised and discussed

with the Joint Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Areas of opportunity identified include tropical diseases, tropical pulses/agriculture and startups/innovation. The Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation will progress discussions with the Government of India.

• A number of other actions from discussions with delegates will be progressed by the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, including investigating the potential for a Johnson & Johnson JLABS in Brisbane.

Global Leaders Reception Date: 20 June 2017 Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm Attendees:

• Global leaders attending BIO 2017 Background: • Reception invitees included International Public Officials, Patient Advocacy

Organisations, US Public Officials, BIO Boards of Directors and Committee Members, and CEOs of biotech and pharma companies.

Meeting Summary: • The Minister represented the Queensland Government at the networking event.


22

San Diego Startup Week Keynote Date: 20 June 2017 Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm Attendees:

• San Diego startup community members Background: • San Diego Startup Week has been running for five years. It brings together

entrepreneurs to share progress, exchange resources and celebrate the thriving innovation community within San Diego.

Meeting Summary: • The Keynote Speaker was Jason Calacanis – Prominent Angel Investor, Serial

Entrepreneur & Radio Celebrity. Elon Musk invested in his startup, Mahalo, along with News Corp, CBS, Sequoia Partners and Mark Cuban. Jason is an investor in Uber, Tumblr, Thumbtack and Evernote.


23

Wednesday, 21 June 2017 – Los Angeles

LAVA – Los Angeles Venture Association Date: 21 June 2017 Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm Attendees:

• Len Lanzi, Executive Director Background: • LAVA provide forums where entrepreneurs and executives of start-up, emerging growth

and late stage venture funded companies actively meet and learn from fellow executives, investors, bankers, financial advisors and professional services providers.

Event Summary: • LAVA’s business model and services to the startup community were discussed, including

the current investment landscape within Los Angeles.

• The potential for US-based companies to take advantage of Advance Queensland’s Hot DesQ and Industry Accelerator programs to establish a presence in Queensland was also discussed.

• Len Lanzi was invited to be a speaker at Myriad 2018

Amplify.LA meeting Date: Wednesday 21 June 2017 Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm Attendees:

• Amanda Schutzbank, VP Programs Background: • Amplify.LA is Los Angeles’ leading startup accelerator that operates and invests like a

traditional pre-seed investor.

• It tailors it program for each participating company; provides $100K-$300K seed funding, and access to investors, free workspace and mentorship.

• Amplify.LA has recently been ranked in the top tier of global accelerators and has raised $250 million in four years.

Meeting Summary: • Amplify.LA’s business model and services to the startup community were discussed.

• The potential for US-based companies working with Amplify.LA to take advantage of Advance Queensland’s Hot DesQ program was also discussed.

• Amanda Schutzbank was invited to be a speaker at Myriad 2018.


24

Photos

Queensland VIP Welcome Reception: Minister Enoch and Brett Cornwell, Texas A&M – proudly wearing the Broncos jersey presented to him by the Minister at the Myriad Festival in March 2017

Queensland VIP Welcome Reception: Will Barton performing


25

Queensland VIP Welcome Reception: Minister Enoch speaking

Queensland VIP Welcome Reception: J&J Partnering Office one-year anniversary cake cutting


26

Queensland VIP Welcome Reception: Minister Enoch and OWIN members from Texas A&M, Belgium and China

Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) Breakfast: Minister Enoch witnessing signing of two Memoranda of Understanding between LSQ and three regional life science related associations: AfricaBio, MAHRN and Genome Prairie


27

University of California San Diego (USCD): Minister Enoch with Ramesh Rao, USCD and Queensland University representatives

University of California San Diego (USCD): Qualcomm Institute Innovation Center


28

OWIN Breakfast: Minister Enoch with OWIN Members and Associate Members

Hera Hub: Minister Enoch with Hera Hub Founder, Felena Hanson


29

Australian Networking Event @ Australian Pavilion: Minister Enoch with Chandra Prakas Goyal, Joint Secretary and Garima Gumpta, Indian Department of Biotechnology

Australian Networking Event @ Australian Pavilion: Minister Enoch with Queensland delegates


30

Media Releases

Media Statements JOINT STATEMENT Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Tuesday, June 20, 2017 $4 million injection boosts Queensland’s biomedical industry SAN DIEGO, USA: The Palaszczuk Government will invest $4 million to expand Queensland’s biomedical sector and deliver up to 3000 new jobs, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced to the BIO international convention today. Launching the Queensland Biomedical 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, Ms Palaszczuk said the plan would boost the sector’s global competitiveness by unlocking investment and the jobs of the future. “The Roadmap and its $2 million Biomedical Assistance Fund aim to give our biomedical enterprises better access to the capital they need to bring new products to market,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “Since releasing our initial 10 year roadmap just last year, we’ve seen projects like Southern Oil’s Northern Refinery get underway in Gladstone. “The Biomedical Roadmap is another signature policy. “In Queensland, the biomedical industry has the potential to add $1.9 billion and almost 3000 jobs to the local economy by 2027 - and we want to nurture that growth.” Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the government wanted to ensure access to the right expertise, specialist support and services to commercialise novel products so they can compete in the global marketplace. “By 2027 we want Queensland to be a globally competitive biomedical hub in the heart of the Asia-Pacific. State Development Minister Anthony Lynham said the roadmap would position Queensland biomedical enterprises for rapid technological advances and a strong investment environment. “The Queensland Biomedical 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan is the latest in a series of priority industry roadmaps that are helping strengthen and diversify Queensland’s economy, drive growth and create jobs of the future for Queenslanders,” Dr Lynham said. To find out more, go to http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/biomedical Media contact: Susan McGrady 0488 996 667


http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/biomedical

31

Media Statements JOINT STATEMENT Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Tuesday, June 20, 2017 Brisbane to host major life sciences industry conference in 2018 SAN DIEGO, USA: International bio investors have been invited to Brisbane after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the Queensland capital will play host next year to a gathering of the leading players in one of Australia’s most exciting and promising high-tech industries. Speaking at the BIO International Convention in San Diego in the United States, Ms Palaszczuk said almost 1000 business leaders, investors and scientists from Australia and overseas would attend the AusBiotech 2018 national conference from 31 October to 2 November at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre next year. The annual AusBiotech national conference draws representatives from the life sciences industry, including medical device manufacturers and biotechnology firms. Ms Palaszczuk said the life sciences industry was one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, with demand for innovative medical devices and new therapeutics and vaccines increasing, particularly in the emerging Asian markets. “In Queensland, the industry is underpinned by strong research capability and a Government that backs innovation,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “Our scientists are working in areas of growing demand, from therapeutic, diagnostic and vaccine development to adult stem cell technology, ag-biotech, industrial biotech, alternative fuels, and tropical health research. “We have the desire, the know-how and I’ve made sure the Government support is in place so we see this very important industry grow even more.” Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government recognised the industry’s potential as a major income-earner for the state and as vitally important to the government’s commitment to diversify the Queensland economy. “Through our $420 million Advance Queensland initiative, we are developing the necessary commercialisation capabilities to translate the excellent research happening in our labs into commercial products and services that ultimately benefit patients and consumers,” Ms Enoch said. “The AusBiotech national conference provides us with a fantastic opportunity to promote the scale, quality and diversity of the Queensland industry. It is the premier event for attracting international interest and investment to Australia and crucially generates the necessary partnerships between business and research. Alongside the Brisbane conference, it will also be an early stage investment event.” AusBiotech CEO Glenn Cross said: “We held the AusBiotech conference on the Gold Coast in 2014 and in Brisbane the year before that.


32

“While AusBiotech has held many networking events, briefings and roundtables in the state since then, we’re excited to bring the national conference back to Queensland,” Mr Cross said. “The Queensland Government has been a long-time supporter of the life sciences industry and their support is seen once again, with Premier and Minister Enoch leading the Queensland delegation to the 2017 BIO International Convention in the US.” Media contacts: Kerryn Manifold- +61428 510 973 Media Statements JOINT STATEMENT Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Tuesday, June 20, 2017 MIT Bootcamp returns to Queensland in 2018 SAN DIEGO, USA: The best and brightest minds from across the globe will come together to solve some of the world’s biggest problems under the Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland initiative. Speaking in San Diego for International BIO 2017, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Bootcamp returns to QUT in Brisbane in 2018 following the highly successful MIT Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp held in March this year. “More than 110 participants from across 35 countries attended the event earlier this year,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “Participants were required to come up with a solution to a major challenge, find customers, start a company and then present their work to an international panel of venture capitalists from Brisbane, San Francisco and Boston. “Two Brisbane women were among the two top teams to come up with breakthrough ideas during the event.” According to the 2014 report Entrepreneurship and Innovation at MIT, MIT alumni have launched more than 30,000 active companies, creating 4.6 million jobs and generating US$1.9 trillion in annual revenue. The cumulative result is the equivalent of the 10th largest economy in the world. Minister for Innovation Leeanne Enoch said having the event again in Queensland was a huge feather in the cap for QUT and the state. “This highlights the great foundation work we built this year and our collaboration with a leading university,” Ms Enoch said. “MIT is ranked as the number one university in the world in the recent QS World University Rankings 2016-2017 and is also regarded as a leader in entrepreneurship education.” The Bootcamp condenses a one-year MIT course into an intensive, one-week learning experience led by senior MIT business lecturers.


33

The 2018 Bootcamp will focus on technology-enabled innovation in Queensland’s key sectors including agriculture, mining and environmental management. QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake said the university is proud to have been selected again to host the Bootcamp as it builds on QUT’s many entrepreneurship initiatives to help make Queensland a global hub for innovation. “Universities play a key role in the startup ecosystem and cultivate environments where entrepreneurship can thrive,” Professor Coaldrake said. “Hosting this Bootcamp encourages and nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs to help them prepare and respond to new challenges in a rapidly changing world.” QUT will offer three scholarships to attend the Bootcamp including one specifically for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Professor Bill Aulet, who is Professor of the Practice at the MIT Sloan School of Management and Managing Director of Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship said demand for high quality entrepreneurship education is exploding across the globe. “The first Bootcamp held in Brisbane this year was very well received by the entrepreneurial community in Queensland,” Mr Aulet said. “We’re really looking forward to partnering again with the Queensland Government and QUT to deliver the Bootcamp next year and with a new crop of entrepreneurs.” The MIT Bootcamp aligns with the Queensland Government’s $420 million Advance Queensland initiative by bringing together entrepreneurs, industry, universities and government to collaborate and turn ideas into action. For more information visit http://advance.qld.gov.au/uni-researchers/mit-entrepreneurship-bootcamp.aspx Media Contact: Kerryn Manifold +61428 510 973 Media Statements Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Biorefinery planned for regional Queensland SAN DIEGO, USA: A drive to attract biorefinery investors to Queensland is paying off, with the Queensland Government announcing plans today for a biorefinery by US Biotechnology company, Amyris. In San Diego for the BIO2017 International Convention, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the planned biorefinery could create upwards of 70 jobs and further boost Queensland’s reputation globally as a leading biofutures location. “Amyris is seeking to replicate its successful biorefinery in Brazil and sees Queensland as an ideal location due to the abundance of sugarcane and close proximity to Asia,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “The company’s proposed biorefinery would aim to produce 23,000 tonnes a year of a sugar cane-based ingredient called farnesene which is used in a range products including cosmetics, fragrances, nutraceuticals, polymers, and lubricants.”


http://advance.qld.gov.au/uni-researchers/mit-entrepreneurship-bootcamp.aspx

http://advance.qld.gov.au/uni-researchers/mit-entrepreneurship-bootcamp.aspx

34

Amyris President & CEO John Melo said he was very pleased with the commitment of the Queensland Government to be leaders of the Bioeconomy. “Our growing demand in China for Vitamins and the Asian demand for cosmetics and fragrances supports a new specialty farnesene fermentation factory in Queensland,” Mr Melo said. “The funding from the Queensland Government along with the operating expertise and sugar cane base of our local partner makes this factory possible and enable savings from our current production in Brazil and the associated shipping costs. “Like all our new projects, this factory is expected to be sold out when it starts operating with agreements to supply our current partners in China and other Asian markets. “Queensland offers an excellent location option for Amyris with its favorable business climate, extensive sugar industry and geographic proximity to these markets.” Ms Palaszczuk said the proposed Amyris biorefinery was another step towards achieving Queensland’s vision for a $1 billion sustainable, export-oriented biotechnology and bioproducts sector. “Acceleration of the Amyris project came out of the Queensland Government’s Biofutures Acceleration Program that offers support to companies to build commercial-scale biorefineries in regional Queensland to process materials such as agricultural and industrial waste,” she said. “A total of 120 parties recently indicated interest in biorefining in Queensland through the program and 26 submitted detailed expressions of interest. “The Queensland Government’s funding and support for biorefinery projects will create high-value jobs and investment in regional Queensland by using renewable feedstocks to create biofuel and other bioproducts. “The Queensland Government is leading Australia’s bio-economic revolution through the Advance Queensland Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.” Founded in 2003 in the San Francisco Bay area by a group of scientists at the University of California Berkley, Amyris is a renewable products company producing sustainable alternatives to petroleum, plant and animal-based products across a wide range of consumer and industry segments. The Premier met with Amyris in San Francisco last year. Media contacts: US- Kerryn Manifold- +61428 510 973 Australia- Geoff Breusch- 0417 272 875 Media Statements JOINT STATEMENT Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Thursday, June 22, 2017


35

Southern Oil pilot plant receives $1 million boost The Gladstone-based southern oil facility will receive a $1 million boost in Government funding to facilitate a demonstration bio-hydrogen-generation unit. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who this week attended the international BIO 2017 conference in San Diego, said Southern Oil, who recently officially opened the $18 million Northern Oil Advanced Biofuels Pilot Plant in Yarwun, would now look to also produce bio-hydrogen. “This project will enable bio-hydrogen production from multiple biological sources,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “Unlike other bio-hydrogen plants, this technology is robust enough for industrial processes and isn't dependent on natural electricity generation, solar, or biological reactions.” Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the project was funded out of the Advance Queensland $5 million Biofutures Commercialisation Program. Ms Enoch said the BCP, part of the Advance Queensland Biofutures Roadmap, set out to increase the capability and scale of the biofutures industry in Queensland. “We want to see the biofutures industry grow in Queensland,” Ms Enoch said. “That’s why we’re prepared to invest in people and companies with new ideas to get new technologies up and running.” Southern Oil's Managing Director, Tim Rose said, “Hydrogen is an important, but expensive resource required for many manufacturing and industrial processes. To be able to produce bio-hydrogen sustainably using waste streams is incredibly exciting as it will reduce running costs for a range of business throughout all of Queensland.” Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher welcomed the news. “Southern Oil already supports 45 fulltime equivalent jobs in our community,” Mr Butcher said. “Working towards establishing a process to capture gas and convert into an energy source is important to this industry moving forward. “If the trial is successful, it can be rolled out to other plants and support growth in this industry which is very important for Gladstone.” Media Contact: Premier’s Office: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875 Minister Enoch’s Office: Neil Doorley 0412 393 909 Media Statements JOINT STATEMENT Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Thursday, June 22, 2017


36

Queensland bio grant could lead to year-round sugar mill production Queensland’s emerging biofutures industry has been given a boost following the announcement that North Queensland-based MP Australia Holdings has received $250,000 in State Government Funding to demonstrate bioethanol production from agave at the pilot scale. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said MP Holdings, trading as MSF Sugar, was one of six projects that would help put Queensland at the forefront of the global bioindustrial revolution. Ms Palaszczuk, who this week attended the international BIO 2017 conference in San Diego, said the project sought to establish the feasibility of an integrated sugarcane and agave bioindustrial project at the Tableland Sugar Mill using agave already being grown at Arriga in Far North Queensland. The project would also seek to compare growth rates of agave grown in Maryborough and Arriga with Mexico. “Importantly, this will use marginal cane land and aim to give sugarcane factories the opportunity to have year-round production, producing bioethanol in the sugarcane off-season,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “This means seasonal jobs could now become year-long jobs.” Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the project was funded out of the Advance Queensland $5 million Biofutures Commercialisation Program. Ms Enoch said the BCP, part of the Advance Queensland Biofutures Roadmap, set out to increase the capability and scale of the biofutures industry in Queensland. “The aim of this particular project is to demonstrate bioethanol production from agave at pilot scale and establish the feasibility of an integrated sugarcane and agave bioindustrial project at the Tableland Sugar Mill,” she said. “The project will look at field-scale agave cultivation on non-irrigated lands in the Atherton Tablelands.” The Advance Queensland Biofutures Commercialisation Program aims to attract national or international bioindustrial expertise to partner with Queensland researchers and/or businesses to scale-up and test new or improved bioindustrial technologies and processes at the pilot or demonstration scale in Queensland. Media Contact: Premier’s Office: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875 Minister Enoch’s Office: Neil Doorley 0412 393 909 Media Statements JOINT STATEMENT Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Thursday, June 22, 2017


37

Palaszczuk Government grant to support development of new feedstock source New feedstock sources for livestock could be developed in Goondiwindi after a $579,000 investment by the Palaszczuk Government. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who this week attended the international BIO 2017 conference in San Diego, said Woods Grain was one of six recipients that would help put Queensland at the forefront of the global bioindustrial revolution. “Under the project, Woods Grain will seek to establish a new algae farm in Goondiwindi and trial new technology for the extraction of omega-3 oil from the algae,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “This could produce a high-protein feedstock and open up the possibility of a brand new agricultural industry in the state,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “The Woods family has been at the heart of Australia’s grain industry for more than 60 years and continues to contribute to the strengthening of Queensland’s agricultural economy. “In recent years Woods Grain, part of the Woods Group, has been looking at new protein options. “This has resulted in collaboration with Professor Peer Schenk, at the University of Queensland, who has been researching the opportunity to use microalgae grown in small ponds as an omega-3 oil source for human consumption, biofuels and a protein source for stockfeed. “Woods Grain has worked with UQ, and in particular Prof Peer Schenk in recent years to support the natural progression of the research to a scale that could see it become a commercial reality.” Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the project was funded out of the Advance Queensland $5 million Biofutures Commercialisation Program. Ms Enoch said the BCP, part of the Advance Queensland Biofutures Roadmap, set out to increase the capability and scale of the biofutures industry in Queensland. “We want to see the biofutures industry grow in Queensland,” Ms Enoch said. “That’s why we’re prepared to invest in people and companies with new ideas to get new technologies up and running.” Media Contact: Premier’s Office: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875 Minister Enoch’s Office: Neil Doorley 0412 393 909 Media Statements JOINT STATEMENT Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Thursday, June 22, 2017


38

From cane tops and trash to biofuel Southern Oil’s Gladstone facility is already creating opportunities further afield with the announcement that the Palaszczuk Government will provide $125,000 in Advance Queensland funding to Burdekin Renewable Fuels. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who this week attended the international BIO 2017 conference in San Diego, said Burdekin Renewable fuels was one of six recipients that would help put Queensland at the forefront of the global bioindustrial revolution. “Burdekin Renewable Fuels aims to produce pellets from cane tops and trash for biorefining,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “They will supply samples to Northern Oil Advanced Biofuels Pilot Plant in Gladstone, Proton Power and other potential renewable fuel producers to establish conversion factors for assessing the cost of production. “The Burdekin region has around one million tonnes per year of cane tops and trash. “Cane growers from the Burdekin region have long sought to avoid burning before harvest but have been constrained by the lack of alternative use for cane tops and trash. “It is intended to produce pellets to be used as fuel for renewable electricity generation and as a source for renewable fuel.” Technology to be assessed includes:

• cane tops and trash separation from cane billets • transport from the farm to the pellet plant • pelleting of cane tops and trash • logistics options for delivery of pellets to Japan (ship) and Gladstone (road/rail)

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the project was funded out of the Advance Queensland $5 million Biofutures Commercialisation Program. Ms Enoch said the BCP, part of the Advance Queensland Biofutures Roadmap, set out to increase the capability and scale of the biofutures industry in Queensland. “We want to see the biofutures industry grow in Queensland,” Ms Enoch said. “That’s why we’re prepared to invest in people and companies with new ideas to get new technologies up and running.” Media Contact: Premier’s Office: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875 Minister Enoch’s Office: Neil Doorley 0412 393 909 Media Statements JOINT STATEMENT Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Thursday, June 22, 2017


39

Food waste to energy source at Carole Park company Innovation resulting from a partnership between an Ipswich water treatment company and a Carole Park food producer will be given a helping hand to upscale with a $400,000 Queensland Government grant. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who this week attended the international BIO 2017 conference in San Diego, said Aquatec Maxcon was one of six recipients that would help put Queensland at the forefront of the global bioindustrial revolution. “Aquatec Maxcon has been working with Trisco Foods at Carole Park and have already tested technology to create energy from food waste at pilot scale,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “In order to take the technology to national and international markets, upscaling the technology to demonstration standard is essential. “That’s why we’re providing this funding because we want to see ideas like this exported from Queensland to the rest of Australia and around the world. “This is the kind of technology that can turn waste disposal into an energy source.” Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the project was funded out of the Advance Queensland $5 million Biofutures Commercialisation Program. Ms Enoch said the BCP, part of the Advance Queensland Biofutures Roadmap, set out to increase the capability and scale of the biofutures industry in Queensland. “We want to see the biofutures industry grow in Queensland,” Ms Enoch said. “That’s why we’re prepared to invest in people and companies with new ideas to get new technologies up and running.” Member for Ipswich West, Jim Madden said the Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland program was showing real results throughout the State. “What we are seeing is strong business investment and long term jobs in our local community and I applaud the Premier and Minister Enoch for selling the Advance Queensland message internationally,” Mr Madden said. Media Statements JOINT STATEMENT Premier and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Friday, June 23, 2017 Golden Biotech to work with QUT researchers on Alzheimer’s cure A Taiwanese biotech company will work with Queensland researchers to determine if a new chemical entity – derived from a mushroom – could potentially treat Alzheimer’s disease. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Taiwanese biotech Golden Biotechnology Corporation was collaborating with the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) at QUT to conduct pre-clinical testing of a chemical compound called Antroquinonol, which is showing promise as a way to prevent and combat Alzheimer’s.


40

Ms Palaszczuk, who this week attended the international BIO 2017 conference in San Diego, said Golden Biotechnology Corporation was one of the three recipients of last year’s Advance Queensland Johnson & Johnson Innovation QuickFire Challenge. “The global health innovation competition drew nearly 100 applications from around the world. Out of that we got three recipients across three categories - medical devices, pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare with each receiving $100,000,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “A condition of the challenge was that the recipients had to spend their award money in Queensland on research and commercialisation services.” Golden Biotechnology Corporation won the Pharmaceuticals category and as required, will now spend their $100,000 in prize money in Queensland working with IHBI. Antroquinonol is derived from Antrodia camphorata, a mushroom native to Taiwan which has long been used as a traditional remedy and preventative herbal supplement. Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch – who also attended BIO 2017 – said research findings by the Institute of Brain Science at Taiwan’s National Yang-Ming University found that Antroquinonol improved learning and memory in mice with Alzheimer’s disease. “The next stage in the development of a potential therapy is to do the all-important pre-clinical testing before moving to human trials,” Ms Enoch said. “This is where the Queensland University of Technology’s IHBI comes into the picture. It has the state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to do this all important work. “The work will be undertaken at IHBI under the direction of Professor Lyn Griffiths and Dr Francesca Fernandez, in partnership with Golden Biotechnology Corporation. The work is part of a larger contract being supported by Golden Biotechnology Corporation as well as the Palaszczuk Government.” Golden Biotechnology Corporation’s General Manager Dr Miles Chih-Ming Chen said if the results of the study were promising, Golden Biotechnology intended to move to human clinical trials. “We are very hopeful. We appreciate the support we’ve received from the Queensland Government and Johnson & Johnson Innovation. Queensland is quickly gaining a global reputation for the quality of its translational research capability, and for building an environment committed to supporting the life sciences industry,” Dr Chen said. “This really gives us a lot of confidence as a company working in Queensland to progress our product.” Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. More than 413,000 Australians are living with dementia and this is expected to increase to over half a million by 2025. According to a University of Canberra report, the cost of dementia to the Australian economy in 2016 was over $14 billion. The Palaszczuk Government provided the prize money for the Advance Queensland Johnson & Johnson Innovation QuickFire Challenge under its $420 million whole-of-government Advance Queensland initiative. Johnson & Johnson Innovation also provided mentoring, business development training and scientific support to develop the collaboration between QUT and Golden Biotechnology Corporation. Johnson & Johnson Innovation opened at QUT last year, located at IHBI on the Queensland University of Technology’s Kelvin Grove campus.


41

Celebrating its first anniversary this week, the office provides the all-important critical mass for the successful development and growth of Queensland’s life sciences industry. The Premier and Ms Enoch were in the US this week leading the Queensland industry delegation to the 2017 BIO International Convention, the world’s biggest life sciences conference. Media Contact: Premier’s Office: 0417 272 875 Minister Enoch’s Office: 0412 393 909 Media Statements Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Sunday, June 25, 2017 Jobs and regional Queensland focus of BIO mission to US Premier Annastacia Palasczcuk and Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch have wrapped up a successful mission to the United States to promote the state’s life sciences sector. The Premier and Ms Enoch this week led a delegation of close to 100 industry and research leaders to the world’s largest biotechnology event – the Biotechnology International Convention in the United States: BIO 2017. Ms Enoch said the BIO mission in San Diego was an opportunity to promote Queensland as a prime investment destination. “What gives us the edge is our rich and unique biodiversity, which offers up big prospects in the biodiscovery of new medical drugs sourced from nature; our excellent track record in agriculture for growing biofuels and bioindustrial products; and our strong medical research skills and world-class scientific infrastructure,” Ms Enoch said. “And then there is the pipeline of new product development that the Palaszczuk Government has been building through our $420 million Advance Queensland initiative – from the lab through clinical trials to manufacturing.” The Premier and Ms Enoch met with key industry and research leaders, including from US biotech company Amyris, Johnson & Johnson Innovation and the United States Navy – firming existing ties and looking at how we can explore further opportunities for Queensland. At the convention, Amyris announced it was looking into building a biorefinery in Queensland due to the state’s abundance of sugarcane and proximity to Asia, potentially creating 70 new jobs. Ms Enoch spoke at the BIO International Convention Opening Plenary session on global innovation. This is the first time an Australian Minister has been invited to speak at a BIO plenary session. “We spoke about how countries outside the United States are making their mark in global life sciences. Queensland is well recognised as a biotech hotspot and that’s due in large part to Queensland Government investment and support for the industry and the talent and drive of our researchers, businesses and industry bodies,” Ms Enoch said.


42

A big focus of this year’s BIO mission was on supporting the state’s burgeoning biofutures sector, with the aim of providing new opportunities for the state’s agricultural producers and the possibility of brand new industries in regional and rural Queensland. “At BIO, the Premier announced the recipients of the $5 million Advance Queensland Biofutures Commercialisation Program, part of the Advance Queensland Biofutures Roadmap,” Ms Enoch said. She said the projects included turning millions of tonnes of sugar waste that’s normally burnt into a feedstock for biorefineries and trialling an algae farm that produces a high-protein feedstock. In 2014, a joint Deloitte Access Economics and QUT study projected that by 2035 an industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector could contribute $1.8 billion to Queensland’s gross state products, supporting almost 7000 jobs in the state, particularly in regional and rural Queensland. ENDS MEDIA 0412 393 909 Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business The Honourable Leeanne Enoch Monday, June 26, 2017 QUT oral cancer saliva-test attracts global healthcare company The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed an agreement between Queensland University of Technology’s commercialisation arm bluebox and a global healthcare company to evaluate and develop a saliva-based test for the early detection of oral cancer. Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch - who last week attended the BIO 2017 International Convention in San Diego with the Premier - said bluebox had signed a deal with MDxHealth, a multinational healthcare company headquartered in Belgium. “This remarkable and very clever piece of research has the potential to save thousands of lives globally,” Ms Enoch said. “We have enormous capability in Queensland, evidenced by the talent of our researchers and the strength of our scientific infrastructure.” Oral cancer has a significant global incidence with over 1,500 cases diagnosed annually in Australia and over 20,000 in the US. Early detection is key to survival, but noticeable symptoms appear at a more advanced stage when there is a less favourable prognosis. Ms Enoch said the agreement with MDxHealth could ultimately see the test commercialised globally, with proceeds going back to Australia to support further research and translational activities at QUT. “The Palaszczuk Government sees the potential for life sciences to be a great industry for Queensland, and this is why we attended BIO - to showcase what we have in Queensland to the world,” Ms Enoch said. “And this agreement by QUT just goes to show that we are making our mark globally.” The saliva-based test was created by Associate Professor Chamindie Punyadeera from QUT’s School of Biomedical Sciences and the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI). The test is expected to facilitate much earlier detection of oral cancer by a variety of medical specialists, including general practitioners, oncologists and dentists.


43

“After collecting a simple non-invasive saliva swab, samples will be sent to a lab or tested on site to determine if a patient requires further investigation,” Associate Professor Punyadeera said. “The test has the potential to detect early precancerous lesions which will be key to improving overall survival.” The test investigates abnormal DNA methylation changes in saliva as a proxy to early tumour events. Methylation of DNA is one way that cells regulate gene activity and abnormal methylation indicates a patient may have a higher risk of cancer. MDxHealth is a growing multinational healthcare company with methylation diagnostics for prostate, bladder and other urologic cancers. QUT bluebox is QUT’s innovation, venture and investment company. QUT bluebox provided IP management, go-to-market funding, industry engagement, licensing, commercialisation advice and support for the deal. ENDS MEDIA 0412 393 909


Documents

HONOURABLE LEEANNE ENOCH MP - … – Los Angeles Venture Association ... The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP, Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and