The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has upgraded its Mackay-based QUT Pioneer BioPilot with an $18 million investment, turning it into Australia’s top pilot-scale fermentation facility. This upgrade was made possible with funding from the Australian and Queensland governments, along with collaboration with Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA). Companies can now partner with QUT researchers to develop new food and bioproducts, contributing to sustainable solutions for agricultural challenges.

The facility was previously known as the Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant and has been operational for 15 years. The upgrade aims to boost Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing sector by providing key infrastructure for companies to scale up innovations from the lab to a pilot scale. QUT researchers are already collaborating with biotech startup Eclipse Ingredients on a $5.5 million project to commercialize human lactoferrin produced through precision fermentation, highlighting the potential of the upgraded facility in fostering innovation and real-world impact.