Just as businesses have sped up their operations in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the pandemic has been the launching point for massive acceleration in the pace of medical innovation.

Biopharmaceuticals, known colloquially as bio-pharma are revolutionalising the world of medicine and saving the lives of thousands of people every day. An amalgamation of biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing, bio-pharma is the application of living organisms or extractions, byproducts or components of living organisms, to prevent, relieve or treat diseases.

Patients suffering from cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, immune diseases and other health problems are benefiting from bio-pharma; with billions around the world benefiting from this innovative approach to treating disease.

Not only was the COVID-19 genome sequenced in a matter of weeks, rather than months, but the vaccine rolled out in less than a year. Urgency has created momentum as well as demonstrating how other deep tech capabilities can work together, including bioengineering, genetic sequencing, computing, data analytics, automation, machine learning and AI.

The development of COVID-19 vaccines is a compelling example of the potential of what is referred to as the “Bio Revolution”, that is biomolecules, biosystems, biomachines and biocomputing. This bio revolution could lead to a world that is much more sustainable and possibly extend human life spans.

Biology, which has long been artisanal is fast becoming industrial and what can be done in the labs is expanding into the wider world of commerce. Through bio-innovations using deep tech, food, fuel and fabric could be produced and commercialised.

AI has been the catchword when it comes to deep tech, but together with advances in biotechnology, it is expected they will transform the world as we know it. Globally talented individuals (GTI) working in this space are in high demand by Australian businesses, institutions and governments more than ever.