As the world’s 13th largest pharmaceutical market, Korea is leveraging a record approximately A$2.37 billion dollars government R&D budget in 2026. This growth will support the transition from licensing-out technologies to independently commercialising global "blockbuster" drugs.  

This creates high-value business opportunities for Australia, particularly in merging Australia’s world-class clinical trial expertise and biotech feedstock with Korea's massive biomanufacturing infrastructure and AI-driven digital health platforms.  

Celebrating over a decade of high-impact collaboration, the Australia-Korea biotechnology partnership between AusBiotech and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) leverages Australia’s world-class clinical trial infrastructure alongside Korea’s advanced biomanufacturing capabilities. This mature alliance was recently reaffirmed through a renewed MOU in 2024. The partnership’s momentum continued at BioKorea 2025, where 36 leading Australian biotech companies showcased their capabilities, further solidifying Australia’s reputation as an ideal R&D partner for Korea. 

BioKorea is Asia’s leading global bio-health convention, bringing together innovators, industry leaders, and investors from around the world. For nearly two decades, it has served as a premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge biotechnology, forging international partnerships, and accelerating commercialisation opportunities. BioKorea 2026 will mark the 12th year of Team Australia’s participation, highlighting Australia’s world-class R&D capabilities and driving new Australia-Korea partnerships across the biotech and life science sectors. 

Australian healthcare clinical trials service providers, pharma manufacturers, and digital health companies will have the opportunity to raise their profile on an international platform, unlock new export markets, increase export sales, and build partnerships and connections.    

Companies and research institutes across the following segments are encouraged to apply: 

Austrade’s business program will encompass tailored business meetings, market briefings, and networking events in the lead up to, and during BioKorea. Austrade will work with all the Australian state and territory governments to support outstanding Australian biotech and health businesses in their export growth.