Victoria is a leader in innovation, manufacturing and health and medical research. Our capabilities have helped us build a strong economy and made Victoria one of the best places to live, study, work and do business.
In partnership with business, we’ve identified the priority sectors that are the backbone of the current state economy and key to Victoria’s future growth and workforce, as outlined in the Economic Growth Statement. These include:
- advanced manufacturing and defence
- health technologies and medical research
- circular economy
- digital technologies
- agribusiness.
We support breakthrough ideas and technologies to help solve problems and build the capability and confidence of Victorians to create, scale and invest in startups.
To establish a world-class mRNA and RNA industry in Victoria, we are supporting:
- research and development
- translation and commercialisation
- manufacturing
- global partnerships
- clinical trials
- workforce training
- supply chain development
- AI initiatives.
We support Victorian businesses and workers by ensuring that small and medium size enterprises are given a full and fair opportunity to compete for both large and small government contracts.
We’re committed to supporting our brightest minds as they continue making life-changing scientific breakthroughs and improving health outcomes for people here and around the world.
Economic Growth Statement
Read the Statement that outlines the 40-plus initiatives that will make it easier, simpler and faster to do business in Victoria by opening doors, cutting red tape, building new skills and reaching every community.
Find out more about the Economic Growth Statement.
Innovation statement
We have a globally competitive research and innovation ecosystem and the Innovation Statement is a plan that will shape our future, keep our state at the forefront of innovation and create jobs now and for years to come.
Victorian Industry Policy
Read the Victorian Government’s framework to drive industry competitiveness, productivity and economic resilience for Victoria.
Find out more about the Victorian Industry Policy.
Advanced manufacturing
Find out how we support manufacturers through strategies, programs, and initiatives, what our state's strengths are and where you can find local manufacturers. Learn more on advanced manufacturing in Victoria.
Breakthrough Victoria
Breakthrough Victoria invests in the commercialisation of intellectual property and research, backing bold founders and visionary fund managers to help transform the Victorian economy.
Submit your pitch and read more at Breakthrough Victoria.
Cremorne Digital Hub
The Cremorne Digital Hub (CDH) is a flagship initiative connecting industry, education, investors, and government to grow Victoria’s digital tech sector. It is helping build advanced digital skills, supporting startups, promoting Victoria’s capabilities, and strengthening talent and investment pathways.
Find out more about the Cremorne Digital Hub.
Defence, aviation and aerospace
Victoria’s defence, aviation and aerospace sector supports exports of $1.7 billion, employs 29,000 people, and delivers $4.9 billion in Gross Value Added benefits across Victoria’s supply chain.
Health technologies
Our health technologies sector is a global leader in research and manufacturing. The sector exports $3.8 billion in health products (including more than 58 per cent of Australia’s pharmaceutical exports) and employs more than 50,000 people.
Global Talent Attraction
Victoria’s Skilled Migration Program helps address workforce needs by attracting highly skilled global talent through state-nominated visas.
The program targets priority occupations that are difficult to fill locally, supporting productivity and economic growth and strengthening Victoria’s long term skills pipeline.
The program also attracts exceptionally talented researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, sports professionals and creative practitioners through the National Innovation Visa (NIV), ensuring Victoria continues to benefit from world class expertise and innovation.
LaunchVic
LaunchVic builds the capability and confidence of Victorians to create, scale and invest in startups.
Local Jobs First
The Victorian Government is the largest procurer of goods, services and construction works in the state, and through Local Jobs First uses its purchasing power to help develop local industries, create jobs and boost economic activity across Victoria.
Medical Research
Victoria is a world leader in cutting-edge health and medical research – driving growth in the sector, creating jobs and supporting incredible breakthroughs in treatment and care. Key investments and initiatives include the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease, Children’s Cancer CoLab and COVID-19 research.
Victoria’s Health and Medical Research Strategy: 2022–2032 provides a framework for Victorian activity and investment in health and medical research over the next ten years across four focus areas – Talent, Collaboration, Big Ideas and Generating Outcomes.
mRNA
Established in May 2021, mRNA Victoria is a Victorian Government agency responsible for building a leading mRNA and RNA industry in the Asia Pacific region. Through strategic investments and partnerships, we position Victoria at the forefront of mRNA innovation and advance the next generation of RNA-based therapies.
mRNA Victoria partners with universities, research institutes and industry across the globe to accelerate mRNA research and manufacturing, building Victoria's position as the premier destination for mRNA research, manufacturing, clinical trials, and workforce training in the Asia-Pacific region.
Victoria is home to 22 globally recognised medical research institutes. mRNA Victoria is focused on supporting the development of IP in key areas of need. This will help develop a strong pipeline of RNA research candidates and an ecosystem to support manufacturing.
mRNA Victoria supports researchers and biotechs to develop the next generation of mRNA vaccines and therapies through two innovative grant programs.
Since its inception, mRNA Victoria has provided a total of $30.6 million to support 63 research projects through grant programs including the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund (mVRAF) and mRNA Victoria Activation Program (mAP). For more information, including grant recipients, visit: mRNA Victoria.
The department manages several grant programs to help the state’s advanced manufacturers to innovate, grow production and capitalise on new opportunities. Find out what’s on offer at Business Victoria.
The Premier's Awards for Health and Medical Research recognise the exceptional contributions of Victoria’s early-career health and medical researchers.
The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame recognises excellence in manufacturing. There are a number of categories under which manufacturers can submit nominations including the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Honour Roll.
