La Trobe University has celebrated an important step in the development of a world-class innovation ecosystem at University City with a Traditional naming and smoking ceremony marking the installation of two BioNTainer units, BioNTech’s container-based mRNA manufacturing system.
The BioNTainer units are now installed and the facility fully enclosed and weatherproof on La Trobe’s Bundoora campus. The modular BioNTainer units can be deployed quickly and support flexible manufacturing of investigational next generation mRNA vaccines and treatments for clinical trials.
BioNTech’s research and development mRNA laboratory, officially opened in November last year, will transition into the new clinical-scale manufacturing facility once construction has completed, currently expected in late 2026.
It will support research and development targeting a range of diseases including infectious diseases, rare di-eases and cancer – helping translate research discoveries of the ecosystem into real‑world medical breakthroughs.
Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Steve Dimopoulos attended the smoking ceremony, performed by Traditional Owners, to welcome the BioNTainer units from Germany and announce their names, chosen in consultation with the local Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri People.
The units have been named Wirrarap, meaning medicine man, faith and spirit healer, and Boordup, meaning a source or place of comfort, in Woi wurrung language.
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the facility was a key part of the $5 billion University City precinct, which would help connect leading research, industry capability and clinical translation.
“As a hub for next-generation health and biotechnology, our University City precinct brings together research and industry partners like BioNTech and government to create new opportunities for collaboration, discovery and impact, helping build the future of medical innovation in Victoria,” Professor Farrell said.
Professor Farrell said they were delighted to work with Traditional Owners and recognise the significant cultural role they played, by naming the BioNTainers in Woi wurrung language.
BioNTech’s research and development mRNA laboratory, officially opened in November last year, will transition into the new clinical-scale manufacturing facility once construction has completed in late 2026.
The manufacturing facility is a contribution to a broader ecosystem development plan expected to create up to 1,200 jobs over the next 10 years and drive economic growth across the state.
Minister Dimopoulos said: “Victoria is making the vaccines of the future supporting thousands of jobs right here in Melbourne.”
“Every dollar invested in medical research attracts business and drives economic growth.”
BioNTech Chief Operating Officer Dr Sierk Poetting said: “Our BioNTainer units in Melbourne are aimed at supporting the local mRNA ecosystem by providing small-scale manufacturing capabilities focused on research and development. They are intended to become a resource for local partners, helping to expand innovation, accelerate development, and strengthen regional capabilities.”
