The Translational Research Institute in Woolloongabba is preparing to open ENTRI, an Australian-first biomedical manufacturing facility set for completion in 2026.
Background of the Translational Research Institute
The Translational Research Institute (TRI) is a joint initiative bringing together Queensland Health, The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, and Mater Research. It was established with support from the Queensland and Federal Governments to accelerate medical research into practical treatments.
Located on the Princess Alexandra Hospital campus, TRI is home to more than 1,000 researchers. Its work spans a wide range of health areas, including cancer, immunology, liver and kidney disease, genomics, dermatology, and mental health. TRI also operates two clinical trial facilities, one at the PA Hospital and another at the Centre for Children’s Health Research beside the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
ENTRI Manufacturing Facility in Woolloongabba
In August 2025, TRI announced the name of its new biomedical manufacturing facility: ENTRI. The facility is jointly funded by TRI and the Queensland Government, with a total investment exceeding $100 million. It is situated within the Boggo Road Innovation Precinct, adjacent to TRI’s wet lab facilities at the Princess Alexandra Hospital campus.
ENTRI will include on-demand cGMP cleanrooms, the global standard for biomanufacturing, along with PC2 compliant laboratories and office space. It is designed to support biotech, pharma, and medtech companies in scaling production for Phase 1 to Phase 3 clinical trials.
Research and Industry Applications
The facility will enable the manufacture of a range of products, including biologics, RNA-based therapies such as mRNA, plasmid DNA, vaccines, cell therapies, and drug-device combination products. Companies using ENTRI will be able to retain their intellectual property while accessing advanced infrastructure and technical support.
The integration of biomanufacturing with existing clinical trial capacity in Brisbane is expected to make the site attractive to international companies seeking to reduce development costs and take advantage of Australia’s research and development tax incentives.
Industry and Sector Impact
The announcement of ENTRI was made at a BioBriefing event hosted by TRI and AusBiotech on 20 August 2025. Industry participants highlighted the facility’s role in closing a critical gap in Australia’s capacity for advanced manufacturing. With close to 1,600 biotech and medtech companies operating nationally, ENTRI is positioned to support both domestic growth and international collaboration.
Next Steps
ENTRI is scheduled to be completed in early 2026. Once operational, it will provide a pathway for companies to develop, test, and scale their innovations within Australia, further strengthening Woolloongabba’s role as a hub for medical research and biomanufacturing.
Published 26-Aug-2025
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