CSL’s R&D portfolio focuses on innovation in novel treatment options, improved products and manufacturing expertise, ensuring CSL’s continued growth. In pursuit of these goals, CSL recognises and embraces that we cannot, and should not, do it alone. When collaboration becomes the driving force behind progress in biomedical ecosystems, it brings benefits to various stakeholders including universities, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies and, crucially, patients. Thus, CSL continues to identify and build strategic collaborations that align with CSL’s therapeutic areas of focus and enhance CSL’s chances of bringing forward beneficial transformative innovation. Identifying early-stage external innovation opportunities, such as new technologies and assets, is essential to grow and diversify CSL’s research portfolio. CSL’s Research Acceleration Innovation Initiative (RAI) establishes partnerships with research organisations worldwide with the aim of progressing discoveries towards real-world treatments and to accelerate the commercialisation of promising discovery programs. By fostering long-term collaborations with talented academic scientists, the RAI promotes innovation and offers crucial early funding and access to CSL’s world‑class R&D experts. Since the program’s inception, the RAI has continued to grow, with a three-fold increase in the number of participating institutes and opportunities identified since 2021. In October 2023, seven medical researchers from France, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Germany were awarded new RAI partnerships, including up to an AU$500,000 investment in each program over two years, to fast-track the discovery of innovative biotherapies to address unmet medical needs in several of CSL’s therapeutic areas, which include immunology, nephrology and transplant, respiratory, haematology, cardiovascular and metabolic, and vaccines. To expand its access to external innovation, CSL continues to strategically partner with selected incubators, accelerators and venture funders worldwide. In Australia, CSL continues its long-standing partnership with Brandon Capital, joining as the exclusive pharmaceutical company investor in the new Brandon BioCatalyst Fund 6 which provides support for the development and commercialisation of early-stage biomedical discoveries. In addition, Brandon Capital’s unique member model provides CSL with access to a curated network of over 50 medical research institutes, universities and research hospitals across Australia and New Zealand. Global Headquarters and Centre for Research and Development (R&D) opens in Australia In August 2023, the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, officially opened CSL’s new Global Headquarters and Centre for Research and Development (R&D) in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct in Melbourne. CSL Melbourne is part of a A$2 billion infrastructure investment program in Australia undertaken by CSL over the past four years, the facility will house more than 850 professionals dedicated to protecting public health and bringing life-saving innovative therapies to those in need. In Europe, CSL has extended its partnership with BaseLaunch, a Swiss‑based venture builder that has a strong track record of serving as a growth platform for early-stage ventures to collaborate with scientists and entrepreneurs across Europe to develop cutting-edge therapeutics. In 2023, CSL strengthened its relationship with Biopôle SA through the establishment of an R&D office at Biopôle’s Lausanne campus, one of the largest life science campuses in Europe. CSL has been a corporate partner of Biopôle SA since 2020, which provides CSL with special access to Biopôle’s innovative community of life sciences start-ups including Biopôle facilitated match-making and introductions to start-ups, as well as investment and scouting opportunities. On 16 April 2024, CSL, together with founding partners University of Melbourne and The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), as well as initial investor, Breakthrough Victoria, and operator, Cicada Innovations, celebrated the official opening of Jumar Bioincubator at an event officiated by Lord Mayor, Sally Capp AO. By delivering a wide range of services including educational programs on commercialisation, facilitated access to investors, industry mentoring, and access to curated service providers, Jumar Bioincubator offers comprehensive support to biotech start-ups, enabling them to translate groundbreaking biomedical discoveries into tangible commercial outcomes. At the foundation of the shared vision for Jumar Bioincubator is an understanding of the ‘power of precincts’ within which the unique and shared capabilities of academia and industry can sit adjacent to hospitals and physicians that deliver care to those in need. CSL and partners expect that Jumar will strengthen CSL’s existing biomedical network and the biotechnology talent within the precinct, fostering ongoing collaboration between industry, research institutions, investors and government. With 21 start-ups in residence as of June 2024, Jumar Bioincubator continues to build from strength to strength. 28 Limited Annual Report 2023/24
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