ABOUT US
Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District (CMPID) is a unique not-for-profit Industry Association, where leading employers, landowners, community organisations and Macquarie University work collectively to advance Macquarie Park as a world-leading innovation district.
The impact we made in 2023-24 is only possible because of the support of our members and partners. Thank you!
OUR MEMBERS
OUR AFFILIATES
MACQUARIE PARK’S GROWTH JOURNEY CONTINUES
The future of Macquarie Park and North Ryde as a key economic, innovation, education and living destination were progressed in the financial year of 2023/24 following a new state government policy direction and exciting new developments in the district.
The first NSW Health Prototyping Centre was opened in Macquarie Park, an initiative of eHealth NSW, HealthShare NSW, Health Infrastructure and NSW Health Pathology –a dedicated incubation space for clinicians and experts to rapidly test ideas, designs and concepts before they’re implemented in the public health system.
The NSW Government revealed plans for the for the $96 million RNA Research & Pilot Manufacturing Facility to be built on Macquarie University’s campus and operated by global gene specialists Myeloid Therapeutics. The facility will further cement the district’s research and innovation capabilities.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) released plans for the stage 1 of the Macquarie Park innovation district rezoning with a focus on three neighbourhoods which would give landowners and developers flexibility to construct either commercial floorspace or ‘Build to Rent’ homes in the heart of the Park. CMPID has worked with members and community to advocate to DPHI for the need to ensure the rezoning delivers on the long-term vision of a globally leading innovation district with space for innovation and R&D firms and jobs.
A new report funded by Macquarie University and produced by Biointelect confirmed the district’s annual economic impact surpassed $13.6 billion, representing more than half of the Ryde LGA’s gross regional product, seeing the LGA, along with North Sydney, place behind only the City of Sydney in contributing to NSW’s Gross State Product.
Developer Stockland progressed the MPark stage 1 development with the completion of its first building, home to WiSE Medical, CHEP, Demant, Naked Duck cafe and others and broke ground on the next two developments and public park. Johnson and Johnson confirmed their plans to re-locate their Australian HQ in the next stage of the MPark development to be completed in 2025.
Researchers at Macquarie University made progress in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) with the creation of a new spinout company called Celosia Therapuetics focused on the development of a genetic treatment aimed at targeting specific MND variants.
The Federal and NSW 2024/45 Budget confirmed funding for a new Zero Emission Bus Depot to be built in Macquarie Park valued at $115 million and an additional $10 million to accelerate the delivery of the Macquarie Park Bus Depot and Interchange. Budget also allocated $40 million to the business case for the Sydney Metro extension between St Marys and Tallawong which would connect up the district to the new 24/7 Western Sydney International Airport and the fast-growing suburbs of the north-west.
MACQUARIE PARK’S GROWTH JOURNEY CONTINUES
The renowned Woolcock Institute of Medical Research successfully relocated to the district in new state of the art facilities located within Macquarie University. Boosting a team of over 200 medical researchers the Woolcock is the top sleep and respiratory research organisation in the world.
In June 2024 Macquarie University celebrated its 60th anniversary As a cornerstone of Australia’s original innovation district, the university remains at the forefront of academic and technological advancement.
Macquarie University was recognised by the Times Higher Education 2023 Impact Rankings and improved its overall position by 40 places, and achieved two top 10 rankings.
‘The geography of Australia’s digital industries’ report by CISRO and the Tech Council of Australia, confirmed Macquarie Park a leading innovation hotspot with the Macquarie Park to Marsfield region contributing a market capitalisation value of $36.79 billion – the greatest amount of any area in Australia. The report also identified Macquarie Park as home to the largest cluster of computer network professionals and digital technology occupational specialisations in the country.
Passenger numbers at Macquarie Park’s Metro stations have reached the highest level of activity since 2019, suggesting growing confidence in Australia’s original innovation district. Data analysis from CMPID revealed more than 9.5 million commuter rail trips took place in Macquarie Park in 2023 – a 37% increase on 2022, and a massive 63% increase on 2020, the first year of the global pandemic.
The report by CISRO and the Tech Council of Australia, confirmed Macquarie Park a leading innovation hotspot with the Macquarie Park to Marsfield region contributing a market capitalisation value of $36.79 billion – the greatest amount of any area in Australia.”
HOW WE WORK
Like an innovation district which is always evolving so is the role and focus of Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District (CMPID).
CMPID is a unique partnership between leading employers, landowners and Macquarie University working together with key stakeholders, government agencies and the community to achieve the ambitious goals of the district and maximise the opportunities co-location and collaboration can bring.
We work together to boost engagement, connect our ecosystem, and enhance the experience of people who live, work and study here.
The past financial year saw a new General Manager and Chair commence to build on the success of the past and develop a new focus to maximise the new transport connectivity and build up the industry engagement, innovation delivery and collaboration between organisations in the district.
CMPID’s workplan and focus is guided by member needs, stakeholder feedback and direction from the Board of Directors across fiver key pillars which have been updated to ensure they’re fit for purpose and provide value to members and the overall ecosystem.
pillars help our members agree on the vision for our area, accelerate the benefits of growth, and amplify our credentials as a world-leading innovation district.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OUR BOARD
Connect MPID is backed by a Board of Directors comprised of local leaders who generously volunteer their time to help guide our progress, including representatives from business and academia. The Connect MPID Board at the end of the FY23/24 comprised of:
OUR TEAM
Connect MPID farewelled General Manager, Mark Ames in March, after successfully leading the organisation over the last 5 years. We welcomed our new General Manager, Davor Jozic in April, bringing key experience in Innovation districts across NSW to the team.
Connect MPID employs a small but impactful team with a breadth of knowledge about Macquarie Park. Connect MPID also employs additional external resource on a per-project basis.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District (Connect MPID), I am delighted to share with you our third Annual Report.
As the new Chair of Connect MPID I am proud to lead the organisation responsible for imagining and delivering the future of Australia’s first and strongest innovation district. With more than 63,000 jobs, 44,000 students, and generating over $13 billion in economic value each year – Macquarie Park is a powerhouse of innovation and opportunity.
And now – with our advocacy – Macquarie Park is better connected than ever, with a world-class Metro and new announcements around zero emissions buses, and planned upgrades to roads and bus connections.
Change is a constant at Macquarie Park, with CMPID at the heart of discussions about the costs and benefits of proposed large-scale rezoning. The Board is enthusiastic about the potential for more housing in the District, which could create a vibrant mixed-use precinct. However, we are also fighting to ensure the NSW Government maintains focus on the District’s primary role as a hub for innovative industries that will develop our nation’s strength as a global leader in emerging areas of technology and research.
Biotechnology is emerging as a key strength in the Innovation District. A new RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility currently under construction at Macquarie University, while, for example, Celosia Therapeutics is undertaking groundbreaking work in genetic treatments for MND. Macquarie University is also planning to expand its focus on bio-innovation, which will incubate industry-research collaborations in an area for which Macquarie Park is internationally renowned.
Alongside the new General Manager, Davor Jozic, we are working towards elevating Connect MPID’s focus and activities to ensure they are fit-for-purpose and serving the broader ecosystem of business and the community in the district.
I’m passionate about urban governance and Connect MPID provides a much needed and independent voice for the whole district. We have an amazing opportunity to work together as a collective to boost productivity and prosperity in a diverse and dynamic part of Australia.
Connect MPID’s work is only possible with the support of generous partners and members, who contribute their resources, capabilities and collaborate as a collective in the pursuit of a common goal. If you’re a business, landowner or community organisation committed to growing together in Macquarie Park, I encourage you to join us in the year ahead as we accelerate together.
The Hon Dr Rob Stokes Chair, Board of Directors
Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District
AYUSH RAI LEAD DATA ANALYST
[Innovation districts] make a vital contribution to sparking innovation and driving development in their cities, and this group will help them learn from each other, share best practice and showcase some of the vital work they are doing in their local communities.”
ADVOCATE
ADVOCACY & STRATEGY HIGHLIGHTS
Connect MPID continues to ensure Macquarie Park remains a priority for our State and Federal governments, while maintaining a presence on the global stage.
• Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District was among the first district governing bodies to be inducted into the new Innovation Districts Alliance at the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovations’ (IASP) World Congress in Luxembourg in September 2023. Macquarie Park joins alongside districts from Argentina, Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK - including HERE EAST in London, MIND in Milan and 22@ Barcelona.
• CMPID has provided input into the NSW Innovation Blueprint being developed by Investment NSW, aimed at giving NSW the leading edge in the global battle to attract new investment, ideas, industries and talent. This input ensures priority innovation districts such as MPID are identified as a key economic development initiative for the state government to focus and leverage.
• On behalf of our Board of Directors, Connect MPID provided formal feedback to the NSW government on the Macquarie Park Stage 1 Rezoning Proposal and provided a submission for the NSW Parliamentary inquiry on the Development of the Transport Oriented Development Program.
Ms. Ebba Lund, CEO of International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation
ACTIVATE
MOBILITY & ACCESS HIGHLIGHTS
Growing Macquarie Park without growing congestion remains a key focus of Connect MPID. This year saw increased anticipation of the Metro expansion which will travel under Sydney Harbour, connecting Macquarie Park to the city in just 18 minutes.
• Over 2,300 responses for the 2023 Ask Macquarie Park Survey, a 90% increase on 2022. This is the second year of our annual longitudinal study, tracking how the way people use our area is changing - including who they are, where they come from, what they do and how they get here – and providing our members with their own dataset to benchmark.
• Connect MPID’s ‘Always Going Your Way’ campaign delivered in conjunction with Transport for NSW was a new behaviour change campaign delivered in Macquarie Park designed to highlight the convenience and accessibility of Macquarie Park via Metro and bus.
This was a bright, summery, and engaging campaign that tested new travel behaviour messages and highlighted the value of coming to Macquarie Park via public transport.
With an emphasis on connections, convenience and team time, the campaign responded to our area’s specific demographic and feedback from Connect MPID surveys identifying the purpose of trips to Macquarie Park and the driving force behind travel choice.
• In the lead up to national Ride2Work Day in October, Connect MPID provided 20 commuters from 6 local employers a free 4-week subscription to a state-of-the-art electric bike from Lug+ Carrie, accompanied by a program of behaviour change support, including maps from the City of Ryde, and safe riding tips.
Participants were chosen via an open expression of interest process, which was advertised via our members and public communication channels. Following the 4 week trial, 60% of participants indicated they were now more confident in cycling to work or study in Macquarie Park.
• In October we celebrated national ride2work day at Optus, with hundreds of local workers and students engaging with our team to talk all things cycling in Macquarie Park.
The Macquarie University Deep Incubator is an amazing resource for any start-up….. a wonderful laboratory…. entrepreneurship support, a business mentor…..there is a huge amount of support and resources that are supplied to us and we are deeply thankful for it.”
INNOVATE
INNOVATION & COMMERCIALISATION
Connect MPID works to boost research and development ties, showcase innovation and support the development of entrepreneurial skills in Macquarie Park alongside ecosystem partners. In particular we support the innovation programs at Macquarie University Incubator, which are open to all of our community.
• Macquarie Park was recognised at the 2nd annual National Health & Innovation Precincts Summit hosted at the University of Technology Sydney in November. Innovation districts from across Australia were invited to network and connect, share insights, exchange ideas and boost inter-district collaboration. Connect MPID (former) General Manager, Mark Ames was a key contributor to the governance themed round table at the event.
Macquarie Park featured strongly on the agenda, with insights shared by Dr Iris Depaz, Sanofi who spoke about translational research, and Melissa Ryan, Director of Incubation and Entrepreneurship at Macquarie University sharing her experience heading Macquarie University Incubator.
• Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District, in collaboration with Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct and University of Technology Sydney spearheaded the new “Innovation Districts Alliance” at the National Health & Innovation Precincts Summit in December 2023, creating a new national network of Australian Innovation Districts Professionals.
• KEY HIGHLIGHT: We showcased the impact of several exciting new Macquarie Park startups by creating sharable video case studies under our “How I made this” banner. Subjects included a team on a mission to provide safer, more effective treatment for chronic pain; an entrepreneur looking to bring clean technology innovation in copper production to help accelerate the clean energy transition; and a Macquarie Park innovator who is building two biomedical startups focused on prostate cancer detection. The videos proved to be popular viewing across our communications channels, and the innovators were provided valuable marketing experience and a copy of their finished film.
Dave Sammut, Founder & CEO, Loop Hydrometallurgy – a Macquarie University Incubator start-up
For an entrepreneur, it is a reward when your vision becomes a reality.”
Dr Pankaj Arora, Founder and CEO of WiSE
ELEVATE
MARKETING & PROMOTION
Our work to amplify and share our area’s achievements continued in 2023/24 with the publication of over 100 Macquarie Park stories and further growth of our audience through the CMPID newsletter and social media presence.
• Orientation tours: we took new potential life science tenants, City of Sydney and researchers on orientation tours of the area, opening doors to visitors at the University, neighbouring workplaces and development sites.
• We supported Connect MPID member WiSE in the launch of their new health facility at Stockland’s new MPark development in Khartoum Road.
• In March we once again flew drones over Macquarie Park to capture how our area is changing, creating an updated video for our community showing progress on parklands, Metro and constructions sites over the past year.
• CMPID was involved in the delivery of Committee for Sydney’s key report on The Role of Government in Innovation Districts which was launched at an event on 22 May 2023 and outlined the role governments can play to ensure innovation districts like Macquarie Park achieve their ambitious goals.
• Our total subscriber audience grew 45% to more than 6,700 people who follow our work from Macquarie Park and beyond.
Thank you for your generosity of spirit and great energy you brought to
the day”
UNITE
ACTIVATION & ENGAGEMENT
We build connections, develop skills and create an increased sense of community across Macquarie Park:
• Annual Coffee campaign is gaining significant traction across Macquarie Park with a 16% increase in participants voting on behalf of their favourite café this year. Local cafes were in the spotlight during January with three winners announced across Macquarie University, Macquarie Park and North Ryde.
• Our Connect Community, made up of representatives from our member organisations came together in May to meet our new General Manager, Davor Jozic and our new Board Chair, Dr Rob Stokes over a light breakfast. Hosted at Optus, the event provided a valuable platform for our members to gain insights from Rob and Davor regarding the strategic priorities of the Macquarie Park innovation district.
• Connect MPID was proud events partner for United Way’s Macquarie Park Walkathon and Community Cup in 2023/24, sponsoring and supporting moments to bring our community together.
• Member briefings, networking events and knowledge sharing was conducted throughout the year.
Susan Le Roux, Head of Corporate Partnerships, United Way Australia, on the Connect MPID contribution to the 2024 United Way Walkathon.
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
Connect MPID operates on a not-for-profit basis.
Our income is derived from a mixture of funding partners and member subscriptions (including leading businesses in the area).
Member subscriptions are tiered on the basis of size of employer, ensuring those with the ability do the heaviest lifting within our ecosystem do so.
FY2024 has been a challenging year for Connect MPID, with the loss of key funding partners in the NSW Government with the dissolution of the Greater Cities Commission in late 2023 and the City of Ryde not renewing their status in early 2024 due to changes in their priorities for the year.
This has had an impact on Connect MPID’s income for this year, resulting in a deficit of $333,188. The Board and team have worked to expand our member base and have identified a list of new members which would benefit from CMPID membership.
Connect MPID have also adjusted operating expenses in light of the new financial situation and have a strong plan in place to boost budget through new membership and revenue lines to enable an expansion in operations in the coming year.
Connect MPID engages external accountants, EFS Strategic, to manage payroll, audit our accounts and fulfill our business activity statements for the Australian Tax Office.
We are fortunate to enjoy the ongoing support of Optus, who generously host the Connect MPID team at their Macquarie Park campus.
Rendered impression of Stockland’s MPark Stage 1
MEMBER
BENEFITS
As a member of Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District, you can expect a variety of benefits outlined below.
ADVOCACY
Advocate on behalf of CMPID members, harnessing the skills and expertise of our membership to address common issues to uplift the whole district.
COLLABORATION
Members have access to key CMPID Advisory Committees to facilitate strategic collaboration on key projects and initiatives including grant applications.
CONNECTION
Strategic connection to CMPID C-suite, Government and ecosystem leaders and decision makers to progress opportunities and remove roadblocks.
EVENTS & NETWORKING
Attend exclusive events to connect CMPID members with decisionmakers from public and private sectors to promote the district.
PROMOTION
Members success stories and key messages shared via CMPID website, newsletter and social media, reaching key decision makers and influencers
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Receive unique insights and data to accelerate your development and hep shape messaging via future research reports.
FOCUS PROJECTS & INITIATIVES FOR 2024/25
As an organisation we exist to amplify the work of our members, present a united voice across Macquarie Park and connect up members to opportunities to amplify impact and outcomes.
• Website update to better highlight Connect MPID benefits and Macquarie Park innovations along with new content to ‘discover’ conference facilities, accommodation, dining, shopping and cultural experiences in the district.
• Advisory committees under the Innovate, Activate and Unite pillars to enable further co-ordination and collaboration between members on key projects.
• Thought leadership reports including an in depth analysis of future public transport requirements and a newly developed industry prospectus.
• 2024 Macquarie Park Summit to be held on 30 October 2024 and a mini industry summit held in conjunction with Macquarie University and CSIRO with support from Investment NSW.
• 2024 Ask Macquarie Park Survey targeting over 3,000 responses.
• Public and direct advocacy on NSW Innovation Blueprint and stage 2 of the Macquarie Park rezoning.
More engagement with Macquarie Park businesses and re-engaged with NSW Government and City of Ryde on economic development support.
Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District 1 Lyonpark Road, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2113 connectmpid.com.au info@connectmpid.com.au