RNA Ecosystem

Recognising the immense potential for ribonucleic acid (RNA) technology and building upon the diverse and world-class research and development (R&D) in NSW, the NSW Government is proactively working to catalyse the NSW RNA ecosystem within the state. This includes leveraging the world-leading clinical trials via supporting the manufacture of RNA-based vaccines, therapies and associated technologies.

This initiative is part of its broader commitment to advancing the health, medical, agricultural and biosecurity research and manufacturing sectors. By collaborating with research organisations, such as through the NSW Vice-Chancellors' Committee, and engaging the private sector, the government aims to strategically enhance the RNA value chain, facilitating market entry and expansion, and creating new skilled jobs.

In October 2021, the NSW Government announced a $96 million investment for the development of an RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility. To further support this initiative, an additional $119 million over 10 years was allocated in June 2022 for RNA R&D initiatives to build the talent and product pipelines. This combined investment in R&D and the establishment of a pilot-scale GMP Facility will enable locally developed products to be scaled-up, clinically trialled, and commercialised domestically.

RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility

The RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility will be a cornerstone of the growing RNA ecosystem in NSW.

A major gap in Australia’s RNA landscape is the limited capacity to manufacture RNA products in approved, GMP-grade environments for clinical trials. This capability is critical to translating research into market-ready therapies. The Facility will address this gap, enabling Australian RNA R&D to progress to commercialisation and strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability to support clinical trials to international standards.

The Facility will allow NSW to capitalise on its R&D strengths, building a sustainable pipeline of RNA vaccines, therapeutics and related technologies. It will help position NSW as a global leader in the fight against current and emerging diseases by offering sovereign RNA capability, attracting investment, growing high-value jobs and fostering deeper partnerships between universities, research institutes and industry.

Designed to support both local and global clients, the Facility will operate on a fee-for-service model, with Aurora Biosynthetics as the Facility Operator. Clients will be able to manufacture RNA vaccines and therapeutics while retaining full ownership of their intellectual property—supporting clinical trial readiness and accelerating product development worldwide.

Announced in February 2023, $96 million RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility is being built at Macquarie University and operated by Myeloid Therapeutics, through its Australia subsidiary, Aurora Biosythetics. It will focus on RNA therapeutics for human health, as well as applications in agriculture, animal health and biosecurity.

In May 2024, Hindmarsh Construction was appointed as the main works contractor. The Facility is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer.

More information is available at this website: https://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/project-search/rna-research-and-pilot-manufacturing-facility.

RNA R&D Initiatives

The NSW Government is accelerating the translation of local RNA research into new products, services and jobs through a $119 million RNA R&D Initiatives fund over 10 years. This investment has supported the establishment of RNA Australia, the NSW RNA Research and Training Network (NSW-RRTN), the RNA Pipeline Grants (RPG) program and the development of an RNA Investment Fund.

RNA Australia

In March 2023, the NSW Government, in collaboration with the NSW Vice-Chancellors' Committee, provided $10 million in funding to establish RNA Australia. This initiative aims to develop a robust RNA R&D ecosystem in NSW and oversee operation of the RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility. RNA Australia will connect industries with university researchers, identify priority research areas and support the commercialisation of RNA R&D.

RNA Investment Fund

In December 2022 and January 2023, the NSW Government sought market interest for the establishment of an RNA Investment Fund through an interactive Registration of Interest (ROI) process. This process provided valuable market feedback on global investors’ trends and interests. The Fund would focus on securing investment for RNA and related technologies and therapeutics, driving them through to commercialisation.

The NSW Government is currently working on the next steps for the Fund and other initiatives.

Further updates will be provided on this website.

NSW RNA Research and Training Network (NSW-RRTN)

In July 2025, the NSW Government provided $17.6 million in funding to establish the NSW RNA Research and Training Network (NSW-RRTN), a collaborative, state-wide initiative supporting research, training and strategic programs in RNA science and technology. It is a key pillar of the NSW Government’s $119 million RNA R&D Fund, designed to grow a thriving RNA ecosystem and support a pipeline of projects for piloting and commercialisation in NSW.

The network drives collaboration across universities, research institutes to accelerate RNA research, tackle scientific and industry challenges, and build the skilled workforce needed to support long-term sector growth. This includes targeted support for RNA therapeutics, vaccines and related technologies, strengthening the foundation for the state’s RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility

The NSW-RRTN builds on the success of the NSW RNA Production and Research Network (NSW-RPRN), established in 2021 with $4.9 million in NSW Health funding. It is supported by 12 NSW and ACT universities through the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.

RNA Pipeline Grants (RPG) Program

Launched in July 2025, the RNA Pipeline Grants (RPG) Program is a $6 million, single round, competitive technology development and commercialisation program as part of the NSW Government’s RNA R&D Initiatives. The RPG will support innovative RNA-based therapies, vaccines and technologies toward commercialisation and manufacturing and build a robust pipeline of RNA-based products in NSW that could be manufactured at the RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility, helping bridge the gap between discovery and scalable production.

By supporting projects that are progressing toward commercial readiness and manufacturing feasibility, the RPG aims to attract future investment, increase local manufacturing and grow a globally competitive RNA ecosystem that delivers long-term health, economic and scientific benefits for the people of NSW.

To learn more about the RPG and how to apply, please go to this website: https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/rna-pipeline-grants.

Contact us

You can contact us at: nswchiefscientist@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au