LIP Newsletter - Q2 2026
G’day,
Liverpool's emergence as a leading innovation district continues to gain recognition, with a new report from the Innovation Districts Alliance highlighting the city's strengths in health, research, medical technologies and advanced industries.
This month we've also seen major investment in medical innovation, continued momentum in the Aerotropolis, new opportunities for founders and entrepreneurs, and significant progress across the Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct.
Together, these developments reinforce Liverpool's growing role as a centre for innovation, education, investment and jobs in Western Sydney.
Regards,
David Borger
Liverpool on Innovation Map
A new report by the Innovation Districts Alliance has mapped Sydney's innovation ecosystem for the first time, highlighting Liverpool's growing importance within Australia's leading innovation economy.
Liverpool was identified as a key innovation district, recognised for strengths in cancer research, clinical trials, medical devices and health technologies.
The city's innovation ecosystem is supported by organisations including the Ingham Institute, Perich Centre, Consortium for Medical Device Technologies and the Trans-Tasman Biobridge.
The findings position Liverpool within an interconnected network of innovation districts spanning Bradfield, Westmead, Bankstown and Macquarie Park, reinforcing its role as a major contributor to Sydney's future economic growth.
Liverpool's Next Chapter
The Daily Telegraph's Future West campaign placed a spotlight on Liverpool's growing role as Sydney's next CBD.
From the hospital redevelopment and study hub to the new co-educational high school and Special Entertainment Precinct, Liverpool continues to attract investment and deliver city-shaping projects.
Future priorities include a Liverpool Square employment centre around the station, attracting more government workers, establishing a Startup Hub, delivering a TAFE Centre of Excellence and strengthening connections to Bankstown and Western Sydney International Airport.
Read more: Future West campaign
Mookhey Backs MedTech
The NSW Government has announced $7.4 million through Round 13 of the Medical Devices Fund and opened Round 14 for new applications.
The funding will support four medical devices progressing towards commercialisation, helping improve health outcomes and drive economic growth.
South West Sydney was among the success stories. Western Sydney University spin-out Amazing Gut secured more than $1.3 million for its Ins&Outs device, a portable biofeedback solution helping people with functional bowel disorders undertake physiotherapy privately and comfortably at home.
The company has also been recognised nationally, recently taking top honours at the 2026 Challenger Pitch for Health.
Round 14 is now open, offering grants of between $500,000 and $5 million for NSW-based medical technology projects.
NSW Medical Devices Fund: Read more
Amazing Gut: Western Sydney University announcement
L-R: Minister Harris, Dr Darren Saunders (Chair), Dr Jerry Zhou (Amazing Gut), Secretary Susan Pearce, Tara Croft (Baymatob), Kim Sutherland (OHMR Executive Director), John Shanks (Kraken Coding) and Shan Shan Wang (Roam Technologies)
X-Raying New Health Ideas
South West Sydney is home to world-class health, research and education institutions. Impact X, a free 10-week program delivered by UNSW Founders, is helping more people turn health challenges into innovative solutions.
Applications remain open but close on 10 August 2026.
The program is already helping founders turn ideas into impact. Last year, Aether Diagnostics took out both second place and the People's Choice Award at Pitch Night South West.
Designed for women founders and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) founders, the program supports participants to validate ideas, explore pilot opportunities and prepare for future funding and accelerator programs.
Open to clinicians, researchers, healthcare workers, community leaders and people with lived experience, Impact X provides mentoring, coaching and practical support from experts across the health innovation ecosystem.
Learn more: UNSW Founders Impact X
South West Sydney Innovation Takes Centre Stage
Founders, students and innovators from across South West Sydney will take the stage at Pitch Night South West on 30 July, UNSW Founders' flagship entrepreneurship showcase.
Hosted at the Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown for the first time, the event will bring together founders, investors, industry leaders and community members to celebrate innovation emerging from the region.
The event will also showcase participants from the Innovator Pro Pitch Fest, a partnership between Liverpool City Council and UNSW. The program has connected students, industry and local leaders to develop new ideas for Liverpool's future, with finalists presenting their solutions on the night.
Last year's event attracted more than 220 attendees and awarded $10,000 in prizes to emerging founders.
Date: Thursday 30 July 2026 Time: 5.00pm–8.00pm Location: Bryan Brown Theatre, Bankstown
Register: Pitch Night South West
Aerotropolis Gains Pace
The Western Sydney Aerotropolis continues to gather momentum, with private sector investment proposals growing from $9.8 billion to $21.6 billion in just over a year.
Recent milestones include approval of Aldi's $1 billion automated distribution centre, the opening of the M12 Motorway and major industrial developments led by SEED, Mirvac and Australian Retirement Trust.
At 11,200 hectares, the Aerotropolis remains the largest undeveloped employment lands precinct in Greater Sydney.
Flights Boost Liverpool
The announcement of Qantas and Jetstar services from Western Sydney International Airport marks another major milestone for the region.
Jetstar will launch the airport's first commercial passenger services in October 2026, connecting Western Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Qantas services will follow in March 2027.
Located just minutes from the new airport, Liverpool is well placed to benefit from increased tourism, business travel and investment.
UOW Liverpool Open Day
The University of Wollongong will open its Liverpool campus to the community on 25 July, giving prospective students and families the opportunity to explore its city-centre campus.
The event will feature academic showcases, hands-on experiences and community activities, highlighting Liverpool's growing role as a centre for education, health and innovation.
The Liverpool Innovation Precinct will also showcase the region's emerging innovation ecosystem.
Register: https://www.uow.edu.au/openday/
Dr Kharaishvili Visit
Dr Nino Kharaishvili, Global Solutions Director for Health System Governance at Jacobs and a key figure in the Liverpool UK Innovation Precinct, recently visited the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research for a working lunch with Liverpool Innovation Precinct members.
The session explored approaches to health innovation, precinct development and research collaboration in both regions, providing valuable insights into international health and innovation ecosystems.
Liverpool Hospital Redevelopment Reaches Major Milestone
Health Minister Ryan Park (from left), South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Chief Executive Sonia Marshall, Premier Chris Minns, Liverpool Hospital General Manager Scott McGrath and SWSLHD Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct (LHAP) Project Director Karen McCulloch at the LHAP construction site at Liverpool Hospital.
The NSW Government has committed an additional $100 million to the Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct redevelopment, bringing total investment in the project to $880 million.
The funding will support a new Integrated Services Building featuring expanded cancer services, inpatient units, and women's and children's ambulatory care, alongside a major expansion of the Emergency Department.
Liverpool Hospital has also completed the latest stage of its Emergency Department redevelopment, with new treatment and waiting areas now open. The expanded facilities improve patient flow, reduce pressure on the main waiting room and increase capacity to support South West Sydney's growing population.
A new Emergency Department area supporting enhanced paediatric, assessment and resuscitation services opened on 1 July, marking another milestone in one of NSW's largest health infrastructure projects.
Premier Chris Minns tours the construction site with NSW Government and NSW Health leaders.