ACTI fuels global expansion for Australian clinical trial companies

Australian clinical trials providers received global attention in 2025–26, thanks to additional support and profile-boosting activities delivered under the Australian Clinical Trials Initiative (ACTI).

Managed by Austrade in partnership with industry and state governments, ACTI focuses on profiling and promoting Australia’s world-leading clinical trials capability in international markets. The aim of the program is to support Australian clinical trials companies to expand and diversify their client base in new markets.

Over the past 10 months, ACTI has supported clinical trials and life sciences companies at 28 events across Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative supported companies to build visibility, access priority markets and connect with international partners through a Team Australia approach. 

Creating opportunities for Australian clinical trials providers 

ACTI created a stronger national platform for promoting Australia’s clinical trials capability, backed by shared messaging, branding and collaboration across government, industry and peak bodies. It also allowed Austrade to broaden client exposure across priority markets by using major trade shows as anchor points and expanding engagement into nearby cities and markets.

‘ACTI demonstrates how coordinated national action can elevate Australia’s life sciences sector globally – connecting our world-class research and clinical trials expertise with international demand,’ says Munish Sharma, Director and Health Sector Lead, Austrade.

The initiative has connected Australian clinical trials companies to potential customers and partners around the world. Several companies have started negotiations with international biotech companies to trial their therapies in Australia.

‘What stood out to us about ACTI was the coordinated approach and the quality of people and advice throughout the initiative,’ says David Lloyd, Director & Founder, Southern Star Research. ‘We were genuinely excited to be part of it, and the experience has opened up new opportunities, supported our business growth, and helped us diversify our engagement and pathway into new markets.’ 

‘Participating in ACTI has been a genuinely valuable experience for Nucleus Network,’ says Jeffery Wong, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships & Client Services. ‘What stood out most was not only the quality of global connections and targeted market engagement opportunities, but also the strong sense of ‘Team Australia’, particularly at the larger international events where the scale and alignment of the Australian contingent created a powerful collective presence. 

‘This has helped strengthen our visibility across key regions while reinforcing the value of collaboration. The initiative has also broadened our thinking around international growth and highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in accelerating access to new markets.’

EOIs open for ACTI 2026–27 

Austrade has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for ACTI 2026–27. The program will focus on 9 key events to help Australian clinical trials companies connect with priority markets across Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific.  

Austrade, state governments and AusBiotech will work together to present a clear, coordinated and compelling national presence at the international events. 

The events and supporting activities will help Australian companies to build international partnerships, raise their visibility with global decision-makers, and explore new commercial opportunities in key export markets. 

The 2026–27 EOI process makes it easier for companies to plan ahead, express interest across multiple events at once, and focus on the missions that best align with their commercial and partnering priorities.

Learn more about the ACTI 2026–27 program and express your interest in events. 

Delegates with the Austrade team at BioJapan 2025.

Government and industry support for trade diversification

ACTI is a coordinated effort between Austrade; the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (Health); the Department of Industry, Science and Resources; state governments, and national peak industry bodies. 

ACTI is supported by the Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI). ANMI is a $55 million program helping Australian businesses diversify and grow their exports, designed and jointly delivered by Austrade and industry.  

Funding from ANMI enabled Austrade, Trade Diversification Network (TDN) member AusBiotech and state governments to deliver an expanded program of activities. These additional activities – such as 1:1 business meetings, speaking opportunities and engagements in neighbouring cities – provided extra support for clinical trials clients seeking customers and partners in new markets.

‘The first phase of ACTI has played an important role in elevating Australia’s global profile in clinical trials and clinical development,’ says Rebekah Cassidy, CEO of AusBiotech. ‘Through a coordinated national approach, the program has helped strengthen our international value proposition and create meaningful opportunities for Australian companies to engage with global partners.

‘As a TDN member, AusBiotech has been proud to support these efforts and to help showcase the depth and strength of Australia’s life sciences sector. We look forward to seeing the next iteration of ACTI continue to foster international connections, partnerships, and growth opportunities for Australian innovation.’

A top clinical trials destination 

ACTI was launched to bring worldwide attention to Australia’s clinical trials capability. Australia offers world-class research infrastructure, strong intellectual property protection expertise, research excellence, and a highly skilled workforce.

Conducting trials in Australia is safe, efficient and cost-effective. Australia’s streamlined processes enable rapid patient recruitment and trial initiation. The Australian Clinical Trial Notification (CTN) Scheme allows clinical trials to start within 4–8 weeks. Data from clinical trials conducted in Australia is accepted by key jurisdictions, including the US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency.

Clinical trials have contributed more than $1.4 billion to the Australian economy and over 8,000 jobs. Alongside economic benefits, a robust clinical trials sector would lead to better health outcomes for Australians.