Director
Fabienne Mackay
QIMR Berghofer and Altea Investments, a portfolio company of RAVA Partners, Hillhouse Investment’s real assets strategy, are proud to announce a strategic partnership to establish a third global hub for Singapore-based Life Science Incubator (LSI).
This world-class biomedical innovation centre, LSI’s first in Australia, will be operational at QIMR Berghofer from October 2025.
The collaboration aims to foster a dynamic ecosystem of health innovation and accelerate biomedical breakthroughs by providing infrastructure, resources, and commercialisation opportunities for emerging life science ventures – locally and globally.
Known as LSI@QIMR Berghofer, this partnership will be a catalyst for collaboration between scientists, investors, startups, and industry, strengthening the financial sustainability and global competitiveness of its partners.
QIMR Berghofer Director and CEO Professor Fabienne Mackay said LSI@QIMR Berghofer was a win for Brisbane and Queensland as the region looks to further cement itself as a global biopharmaceutical powerhouse.
“This initiative represents a significant milestone for Queensland’s biomedical sector,” Professor Mackay said.
“We are proud to partner with Altea Investments to bring the Life Science Incubator to life, to advance innovation, commercialisation, and long-term impact in health sciences.”
Altea Investments’ Chief Investment Officer John Ratcliffe said their core remit was to invest in life sciences infrastructure that provides strategic opportunity and shapes the future of health innovation.
“By supporting purpose-built co-working spaces for medical research, we’re helping create the conditions where breakthrough discoveries can thrive. These environments foster collaboration, accelerate commercialisation, and bring together the brightest minds in science and technology,” he said.
“We're proud to back initiatives that drive real-world impact and contribute to a more sustainable and innovative health ecosystem.”
Altea Investments’ Chief Investment Officer John Ratcliffe and QIMR Berghofer CEO Professor Fabienne Mackay
Altea Investments Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation, Dr Olivia Geng, said the organisation’s flexible model supported organisations at every stage.
“LSI is more than just a lab provider. It is a vibrant and supportive community where brilliant minds come together to push the boundaries of science and technology,” she said.
“We’re excited to bring this dynamic ecosystem to QIMR Berghofer and look forward to playing a key role in advancing health innovation in Australia and beyond.”
Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Ros Bates, said the state now has a “launch pad for innovation”.
“This strong partnership between QIMR Berghofer and Altea Investments is the foundation of many more collaborative outcomes to be realised in Queensland,” she said.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the project would place Brisbane among the world’s best cities for medical research and startups.
“This fantastic project will give us an edge like no other, driving local innovation and unlocking new opportunities in international markets,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Brisbane is one of the best cities in the world for startups, and the Life Sciences Incubator will ensure we remain the destination of choice for scientists, investors and startups.
“It will also help us retain talented local researchers, ensuring Brisbane is the best place for them to live, work and relax.”
Altea Investments CIO John Ratcliffe, Altea Investments Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation Dr Olivia Geng, Trade and Investment Queensland CEO Justin McGowan, Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan, Central Ward representative and Civic Chair of the Community, Arts and Night-time Economy Committee Cr Vick Ward, and representatives from Austrade, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston Health Precinct, Life Sciences Queensland and industry representatives attended the official signing ceremony.
Altea Investments is establishing a footprint in Australia through this partnership, anchoring its Singapore-based biotech accelerator, Life Science Incubator, at QIMR Berghofer.
The partnership underscores both organisations’ commitment to advancing health innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.
For more information on our collaborations, please reach out at growpartnerships@qimrb.edu.au