For early-stage health innovators in New South Wales, the road to global impact can feel daunting, especially when navigating complex markets like the United States. But a growing number of startups are finding their way with the support of the NSW Government’s Going Global program.
At Cicada’s HealthTech Hub in Westmead, we’ve seen firsthand the value of this initiative. It provides tailored market-entry support, access to the BIO regional conventions (Bio Korea, Middle East, Japan, Asia - Taiwan) as well as the BIO International Convention, and a pathway to forge global partnerships that can fast-track commercialisation.
We spoke with program lead Hanh Hoang from Investment NSW, Hub alumnus and BIO2024 delegate Joanne Cooper of World Data Exchange (WDX), current resident and BIO Korea and BIO Boston 2025 delegate Jai Uniyal from Curezma, and Lilly Bojarski, GM of Cicada Innovations HealthTech Hub - Westmead, to explore how Going Global is equipping local startups to scale internationally, and why it’s more than just a trade mission.
What is the Going Global program and how does it work?
Hanh Hoang, Investment NSW: “The Going Global Program is the NSW Government’s flagship export development program supporting early-stage and new-to-market exporters. The program has been active since 2020-21, and it’s really taken off in the years post Covid with businesses travelling overseas again. The program has a number of streams focussed on particular industries and international markets. The Health to the USA stream is designed to assist health tech companies, particularly those in life sciences, with their US market entry strategy.
In terms of the application process for Health to the USA - applicants needed to demonstrate a biotech solution that addresses an unmet need, with particular attention paid to innovations supported by clinical data. Applications were open between November 2024 and January 2025 with the selection outcomes announced in February 2025. Guidelines for each Going Global stream are available on Investment NSW’s website.”
Tell us about Curezma, your interest in the Going Global program and how was the experience applying? 
Jai Uniyal, Curezma: “Curezma has developed Australia's first patented steroid-free topical eczema solution. The topical applications have successfully undergone clinical trials in the UK and on the strength of that safety and efficacy data we launched our topical eczema care range in October 2023.
We were attracted to the Going Global program as it is a terrific opportunity to engage with global partners for increasing market access, research partnerships, regulatory guidance, and investor connections.”
What was WDX’s experience in applying for Going Global in 2024 and what attracted you to the program?
Joanne Cooper, World Data Exchange: “We valued the opportunity to network with global partners, attend events and understand market needs in different regions, and explore commercial opportunities within the broad health domain. The attraction to attend Going Global in the US was undeniably the opportunity to engage with a high value audience, face to face. BIO is a global conference the whole world attends, while this is daunting and requires careful preparation, there’s no more perfect opportunity to engage with potential Health partners from around the world.
The partnering meetings are managed through a comprehensive BIO online platform, but overall it is an amazing way to connect and interface with a very high volume of potential partners. It’s important to pace yourself with invitations and remember you may have meetings scheduled right up until the last moment.
Regarding the Investment NSW application process it was refreshingly simple!
What are the key benefits of participating?
Hanh Hoang, Investment NSW: “The benefit of participating in the Going Global Program – Health to the US is that businesses receive market entry strategy advice from experienced in-house and external industry professionals. Participants particularly value the in-person networking opportunities, where they can connect with peers, learn from seasoned delegates, and explore business opportunities together.
Secondly, the Health to the USA stream gives each business premier access to the BIO International Convention. This allows companies to identify and reach out to potential partners through the partnering platform, and invite them to meet face-to-face at BIO. As part of the program, and with the preparation provided in advance, businesses arrive at BIO with a refined pitch, a clear approach, and scheduled one-on-one meetings already in place.
Also, Investment NSW partners with other state governments to deliver a branded Australian stand at BIO. This stand showcases the products and services of NSW businesses and attracts a diverse mix of potential customers, buyers, investors, partners, and other stakeholders.
All of this is provided at no cost to participating businesses. Companies only need to cover their own flights, accommodation, and incidental costs. Ultimately, the program is designed to help businesses achieve export outcomes that might otherwise be out of reach or significantly delayed.”
Lilly Bojarski, Cicada Innovations: “It also can’t be underestimated the need to make use of the time beyond the scheduled networking meetings. Attendees also need to make the most of evening networking events and social mixers hosted by other countries, regions, and organisations of all types. Not only that, but you just never know who you might be standing next to at the coffee cart on the conference floor! Finally, our partner at the Cicada HealthTech Hub - Brandon Capital runs a networking event at BIO every year, which is a great opportunity to network with potential investors.”
What are you doing to prepare to make the most of the BIO conference? What are you hoping to achieve with this experience?
Jai Uniyal: “Preparing for BIO for us mostly involves getting familiar with the Bio-tech ecosystem of the two markets (US & South Korea) . Utilising the partnering platform of the two Bio conferences and preparing pitch decks targeting different potential partners/investors is a part of our preparations.
We are hoping to continue discussions with potential partners for research, supply chain/retail opportunities, and investments.”
Lilly Bojarski, Cicada Innovations: “Just as the Austrade and Australian state delegation teams organise a NSW Breakfast, a Queensland social mixer, and All-Australian Team event (as well as other Australian events), pretty much every other attending country/region will be doing the same, and it can be a terrific way to connect with potential partners. Also, many US-based academic institutions and legal firms will be running evening events for clients and partner orgs to meet and mingle. The breadth of all that is just staggering! My advice would be to try to prepare a schedule including the locations and times of all the events you want to attend, and try to map out your route around the conference and other locations to make sure it’s realistic to get there in time, and worth the effort.”
Hanh Hoang, Investment NSW: “You need to carefully organise your schedule to get the most out of the experience. There will once again be a NSW breakfast at BIO this year. Also, make sure to attend the Going Global Program’s pre-event virtual and in-person sessions. These will help you prepare and ensure you’re putting your best foot forward”
What advice would you offer to startups considering the program? Any outcomes worth sharing?
Hanh Hoang, Investment NSW: “The key is preparation. There are pre-conference virtual webinars that provide real time updates and instructions on doing business in the USA. As soon as the BIO partnering platform opens, access the platform to start searching and invite potential business partners to meet at BIO. Investment NSW will also hold a webinar - BIO success and US expansion - on 2 May to go through in detail. The session is curated with some of the most experienced Australian companies at BIO and it’s set to provide valuable insights and advice.
In terms of Australian success stories from the Going Global Program, reflecting from the 2023 and 2024 programs, the Health to USA stream featured two categories of businesses: clinical trial and advanced therapeutics. Speaking more broadly, both segments have reportedly achieved their objectives in the program, with 9.6 out of 10 participating businesses indicating they are very likely to recommend the program to businesses that are looking to grow their international businesses.”
Joanne Cooper: “Last year we found the post-conference session in Sydney allowed for continued networking among the Australian conference delegates, which was helpful for WDX. We also found during the conference the Australian pavilion on the conference floor was a valuable space for making connections and hosting meetings. We really appreciated that continued support and resources were offered throughout the Going Global program by the BIO organisers after the conference concluded.”
Finally, any new aspects to the Going Global program to know about? Upcoming deadlines and events?
Hanh Hoang, Investment NSW: “Health to the USA is the final Going Global Program stream for this financial year. Planning for the new financial year will begin shortly. The programs that typically deliver strong outcomes for businesses include Health to the US, Health to the Middle East, and initiatives focused on Bio Korea, Bio Japan, and BioAsia Taiwan.”
A Launchpad for Global Ambition
Programs like Going Global are more than a ticket to a conference. They represent a practical, high-impact pathway for local ventures to break into global markets. With advisory support, international visibility, and access to strategic partners, startups can accelerate their commercial journey in ways that would be hard to replicate alone.
As Lilly Bojarski, HealthTech Hub Lead at Cicada Innovations, said “What makes Going Global so valuable is the way it connects strategy with action. It’s not just about attending a conference, it’s about making real, global moves. For ventures at Westmead and across the state, it’s a rare opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best, and be taken seriously.”
With Curezma having attended both BIO Korea and BIO Boston 2025 and WDX continuing to expand its global reach, it’s clear that start-up ventures striding purposefully onto the global stage can confidently make their home at Westmead and find themselves in like-minded company.
The Cicada Innovations HealthTech Hub:
Located within the Westmead Health and Innovation District, Cicada's HealthTech Hub supports early-stage health and MedTech companies with incubation, commercialisation training and resources, and collaborative spaces.
