US biotech firm Ginkgo Bioworks opens new hub in Melbourne

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Image credit: ginkgobioworks.com

Ginkgo Bioworks, a US-based biotech company, has moved into its new office in Melbourne, which will serve as its new base for Australia and New Zealand operations. 

Located at Melbourne Connect in Parkville, Ginkgo’s new office is expected to strengthen Victoria’s efforts to cement itself as an mRNA research and manufacturing leader in Australia. 

The office was established through the state’s mRNA Victoria initiative, which allowed the local biotech sector to partner with Ginkgo and its proprietary cell engineering platform. The building is a purpose-built innovation hub designed to connect researchers, students, government, and industry. 

Ginkgo has developed a cell engineering platform designed to deliver breakthroughs to a wide range of sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and food and agriculture. The company now eyes to tap into Victoria’s biomedical manufacturing capabilities. 

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford welcomed the company’s executive on Friday in a media statement released by the state of Victoria. 

“Local companies will be able to access the breakthrough technologies Ginkgo is capable of – further cementing Melbourne’s reputation as a world leader in these fields,” Pulford said.