From Bench to Bilateral: Australia Canada Life Sciences Innovation

Australia and Canada are home to world-class life sciences ecosystems, with complementary strengths in research, clinical development, investment and biotechnology innovation. As global competition for capital, talent and breakthrough therapies intensifies, the opportunity to strengthen collaboration between these two markets has never been more compelling.

Join the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) for an executive discussion exploring how life sciences companies are leveraging capabilities on both sides of the Pacific to accelerate research and development, navigate regulatory pathways, attract investment and scale internationally.

Bringing together senior leaders from industry, investment, trade and government, the conversation will examine the strategic advantages of establishing research and development capabilities across both markets, opportunities for cross-border investment and commercialisation, and the challenges that continue to constrain sector growth.

Featuring the journey of Canadian biotechnology innovator AbCellera, the discussion will explore its evolution from an academic spin-out to a global biotechnology company advancing a pipeline of therapeutic candidates - offering insights into the role of early-stage capital, research infrastructure, strategic partnerships and international expansion in building globally competitive life sciences businesses.

The discussion will explore:

• The Australia-Canada advantage: Harnessing complementary research, clinical trial and biotechnology ecosystems.

• From discovery to development: Navigating regulatory pathways and accelerating preclinical and clinical R&D.

• Capital and commercialisation: Unlocking cross-border investment, strategic partnerships and opportunities to scale.

• Building global biotechnology companies: Lessons from AbCellera's growth and international expansion.

• Closing the gaps: Addressing barriers to capital, infrastructure, talent and commercialisation across both markets.

This event offers a valuable opportunity to connect with leaders shaping the future of biotechnology and explore how deeper Australia-Canada collaboration can translate scientific discovery into commercial success.

Speakers to be announced 1 November 2026

Melissa Wharton

Chief Executive Officer

Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce

Melissa Wharton is the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC), the leading bilateral business organisation advancing trade, investment and strategic partnerships between Australia and Canada, with a network of more than 7,000 business and government professionals across both countries.

A recognised voice in the Australia-Canada economic relationship, Melissa works at the intersection of government, institutional capital and industry, connecting decision-makers and advancing opportunities for cross-border investment, collaboration and economic growth.

Under her leadership, the CACC has strengthened its position as a strategic platform for bilateral engagement, convening senior government ministers, institutional investors, pension and superannuation funds, and global business leaders. Her work spans priority sectors including infrastructure, critical minerals, energy, defence, advanced manufacturing, technology and life sciences.

A dual Australian-Canadian citizen, Melissa brings a distinctly bilateral perspective to strengthening economic cooperation, fostering strategic partnerships and advancing the long-term competitiveness of both economies.

Joshua Khoddami

Director & Co-Chair

CACC NSW COMMITTEE

As a part of Neu.Capital, Joshua helps established companies raise $5m -$100m of debt and equity outside the big 4 banks by placing them in front a vast universe of professional investors. He spends time with clients educating them on the non-bank funding world. Previous to this, Joshua spent 7 years managing a digital marketing agency in Sydney that specialises in generating leads for mid-market companies.

Originally from Vancouver Joshua has spent the last 8 years living and working in Sydney.

Elli Hanson

Co-Chair

CACC NSW COMMITTEE

Elli Hanson is a Partner at Side Stage Ventures, where she backs early-stage founders building globally ambitious companies from Australia. Her path into venture spans industrial design, global brand strategy, and startup building — including roles as Global Director of Design Strategy at Ogilvy Worldwide and Co-Founder of Flaus, a consumer hardware company behind the world’s first patented electric flosser. At Side Stage, she works closely with early-stage founders across sectors, with a particular interest in human-centred design, taste, and the role creativity will play in shaping the next generation of breakout companies.