Victoria’s key industries under the spotlight.

Health and Life Sciences

We are one of the world’s leading Life Sciences clusters and a highly sought-after destination for global companies.

A close up of a laboratory technicians hands with gloves on conducting an experiment with petri dishes in the background Melbourne offers a low-risk, high-quality and competitive business environment with a rich legacy of commercial success, advanced manufacturing expertise, key R&D infrastructure, and attracting and maintaining a talented and skilled workforce. Industry expertise in biotechnology, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals is supported by a favourable regulatory and R&D environment and is consistently backed by strong government investment.

With over 35% of the national dedicated Phase I facility beds in Australia – Melbourne is a national leader in early-stage trials. This includes specialist units focused on immunology, neuroscience, oncology, ophthalmology and paediatric diseases.

As a highly collaborative, globally connected Life Sciences ecosystem, Melbourne has 22 internationally recognised research institutes, and 7 major teaching hospitals that provide outstanding expertise in Neuroscience, Oncology, Genomics, Cardiovascular Health, Regenerative Medicine and Infectious Diseases. We are one of the few cities in the world to have two universities in the global top 40 biomedical rankings, with Monash University ranked among the very best in the world for pharmacy and pharmacology. This academic capability produces over 24,000 graduates in the health and sciences arena annually.

Melbourne carries out approximately one-third of Australia’s clinical trials, with over 1,924 commercial-sponsored and 1,285 investigator institution-sponsored trials ongoing in Victorian health services. Global companies are increasingly outsourcing Early Phase clinical trials, with 90% of Phase I clinical trials undertaken in Victoria sponsored by international firms.

Victoria's expertise in advanced manufacturing for pharmaceutical and medical technology products is complemented by a favourable regulatory environment, a strong R&D community and consistent government investment in education, facilities, research and collaborative projects. Our State has also established itself as a cost-effective hub for high-quality clinical trials with access to renowned clinical researchers and a diverse participant recruitment pool.

Connect with our Health and Life Sciences team to learn how we can help you engage with Victoria's thriving life sciences sector, and support your expansion into Melbourne.


Food and AgribusinessA barley ear in the foreground with the sun shining as it sets in the country's background

A traceable journey from paddock to plate, and tree to table

Victoria is Australia's largest exporter of food and fibre products.

When you combine our naturally nutrient-rich soil with exceptional climatic conditions and dedicated growers, winemakers and farmers, you begin to understand why Victoria is one of the world’s most prolific producers of premium foods, animal fibres and agricultural produce. Add to that Global Victoria’s importing advice, logistics support and desire to connect you with the right producers, and you have the perfect recipe for business success.

We understand the way people shop and consume food is changing, so our food and fibre producers continue to diversify and grow, even during periods of global supply chain uncertainty.

Every day, we supply the cleanest, greenest and safest food and fibre products, ensuring that our suppliers always adhere to biosecurity, safety, reliability and environmental protection standards. All our food exports are licensed according to stringent government regulations to meet importing requirements which guarantee they are:

  • fit for human consumption
  • accurately described and labelled
  • fully traceable.

We’re a world leader in water management and food innovation — at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technology to grow, process, package and distribute food in more efficient and sustainable ways.

The diversity of what we offer and our commitment to nurturing trade relationships and minimising our environmental footprint sets our offering apart.

Whether you’re looking to import meat or dairy, fruit or honey, distilled spirits or ready-made meals, seafood or skins — you can be assured that if it’s Victorian-grown, it will be distinctive and delicious, competitively priced, reliable to access and will exceed your customers’ expectations.

Our global reputation as exporters and suppliers of some of the world's cleanest, greenest and safest food and fibre products is built on the highest quality biosecurity, safety and reliability standards, and strong environmental protection.

Connect with our Food and Agribusiness team to learn how we can help you engage with Victoria's agribusinesses, and support your expansion into Melbourne.


Technology and Innovation

Connecting, inspiring and designing a global future

A young school student is immersed in VR experience Regarded as Australia's technology hub, Victoria is home to more of Australia’s top ASX technology companies than any other state. Its technology and innovation capabilities drive the state’s digital economy, with Victoria home to 271,000 ICT professionals in around 20,000 technology businesses that contribute more than $38 billion annually to the state’s economy.

Victoria maintains world-leading capability in several subsectors of technology including FinTech, RegTech, and SportsTech and is home to 44 per cent of Australia’s SportsTech companies. Melbourne is also regarded as the EdTech capital of Australia (HolonIQ ANZ EdTech 50). Our International Education recovery plan includes establishing Melbourne as an Asia-Pacific hub for EdTech, digital learning and education innovation.

Victoria has built one of the strongest economies in Australia with its innovation capabilities, making the state one of the best places to invest and do business. Victoria is home to more than 2600 start-ups and with a thriving sector, the number of start-ups is growing at 23 per cent per annum. We have a strong track record in transforming start-ups into high-growth firms and are home to 20 unicorns.

Many of these start-ups have an intrinsic global outlook. Global Victoria works closely with LaunchVic, Victoria’s startup agency, to ensure our startups have the right support and contacts as they grow internationally.

Connect with our Digital Technology team to learn how we can help you engage with Victoria's digital technology businesses, and support your expansion into Melbourne.


Professional Services and the Green Economy

A dynamic pool of talent to choose from, with expertise in every field

Victoria's professional services sector is a key driver of the state's economy and job creation. Victoria is home to a world-leading superannuation sector, headquarters for seven of the top 20 ASX-listed mining and metals companies and a well-regarded hub for design, engineering, and environmental services.

The growing Professional Services sector is also a vital enabler of growth across a wide array of companies operating in finance, legal and accounting services, consulting, architecture, and urban design. Export opportunities are growing in financial technology, mining and technical services.

Melbourne is one of the world's most liveable cities, consistently ranking in the top ten of The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index. Victoria has the know-how across the liveability sector in water management, planning and urban design, cleantech and environmental solutions. Many Victorian companies have leading expertise to share and are partnering with Global Victoria to connect with global partners and markets.

Victoria's Climate Change Act 2017 and state-wide strategy to reduce emissions make us Australia’s climate leader and one of the most ambitious jurisdictions globally in tackling climate change and fostering the green economy. This will present new opportunities for advanced manufacturing, and economic growth, as well as significant export growth potential in clean technologies and job creation.

Victoria’s 400,000-strong professional services sector was built upon a foundation of commitment, drive and determination. It’s a community that has roots in both our educational institutions — which deliver outstanding graduates in every discipline — and the many overseas experts who chose to further hone their craft here. This combination of homegrown and imported talent gives us a significant edge in today’s global society.

Our skilled professionals are in demand around the world, shaping cities, developing infrastructure, growing economies and managing projects that affect change and benefit communities. They provide high-level advice and specialised strategic support to increase productivity, reduce costs and solve critical problems. Smart, digitally savvy, future-focused and creative, Victorian-based firms like these can provide the services you need, in person and remotely.

Connect with our team to learn how we can help you engage with Victoria's professional services businesses, and support your expansion into Melbourne.


International Education

Global learning with a distinctly local touch

A young university student smiles at her tutor International Education is Victoria’s largest services export and generates global opportunities and connections across the economy, academia and communities.

Victoria’s international education sector embraces innovative teaching and learning approaches, drives collaborative research partnerships and prioritises positive student experiences – underlined by strong industry engagement and global connections. Melbourne is Australia’s number one student city and fifth globally. We are home to Australia’s best-performing universities and ranked 13th globally (QS World University Rankings 2023).

Victoria’s world-class universities, research and development hubs, Vocational Education and Training (VET) organisations and English language schools all work in collaboration with overseas partners to design and deliver customised education and training programs and services. Victoria's education, training, and research institutions have a proven track record across a range of innovative industries.

Ten reasons why international students choose Melbourne as their study destination:

  1. Opens up a world of opportunities. Victoria produces resilient, work-ready graduates with globally recognised and trusted qualifications
  2. 10 world-class universities and QS World University Rankings 2022 placed six of them in the top 400 — two were in the top 100
  3. State-of-the art teaching facilities, digital technologies, experienced educators and a rich and rewarding student experience
  4. A vibrant international student community with over 150,000 overseas students from more than 170 countries study here each year, you’ll be part of our
  5. Endless study options with an extensive range of vocational education and training (VET) courses and English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
  6. Victoria is a global knowledge hub attracting some of the world's most respected and passionate academics, researchers and creative minds
  7. QS Best Student Cities 2023 ranks Melbourne as the fifth-best student city in the world
  8. A stable currency, favourable exchange rates and competitive course fees
  9. Safe, green, great climate, amazing food, multicultural, sports and a calendar full of events — Victoria has it all
  10. The Study Melbourne program offers free support services, cultural experiences, social events and employability programs to help students thrive.

Learn more about studying in Victoria by getting in touch with our team from International Education or visit the Study Melbourne website


Manufacturing and defence

The cornerstone of the Victorian economy

Side profile of a man who is working with some machinery placed on a table in a laboratory setting

Manufacturing is the cornerstone of the Victorian economy, providing a diverse range of jobs, high-quality exports and substantial economic growth. Manufacturing in Victoria supports more than 246,000 jobs and contributes close to $31 billion to the local economy each year.

Victoria’s manufacturing sector is diverse, spanning a number of industries, from aerospace to consumer goods, with half of Australia’s beauty exports from Victoria.

Victoria also has Australia's highest concentration of advanced defence technology capability, with the industry contributing $8.4 billion annually. The defence sector supports approximately 36,600 people and 6,300 businesses working in the supply chain to make equipment and provide services for defence activities.

Victoria's strengths in research and development, supported by a world-class tertiary education sector, have led to Victoria maintaining its defence capability edge across a range of domains, including land systems, aerospace and cyber security. This sophisticated supply chain presents several opportunities for companies to export a range of goods and services.

Connect with our Advanced Manufacturing and Defence team to learn how we can help you engage with Victoria's advanced manufacturing and defence businesses, and support your expansion into Melbourne.