The RNA Innovation Foundry (RIF) is the Western Australian (WA) node of Australia’s national RNA production network, established at the University of Western Australia to accelerate the development of mRNA technologies from sequence design to preclinical application. Working closely with the Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer, the RIF provides academic, clinical and industry researchers with integrated capabilities to design, produce, formulate and characterise long RNAs.
Operating within a purpose-built facility, the RIF combines specialist expertise, automated, state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and industry-aligned quality systems. Its capabilities encompass DNA construct preparation, high-throughput cloning, plasmid DNA sequence verification, mRNA template preparation, in vitro transcription, RNA purification and analytical characterisation. Dedicated production environments support research-scale manufacture from micrograms to milligram quantities suitable for in vitro and preclinical studies. Lipid nanoparticle formulation, purification and physicochemical analysis enable the development of both standard and customised RNA delivery systems.
Automated liquid-handling platforms support high-throughput workflows, facilitating rapid design-build-test-learn cycles, efficient use of high-value materials and systematic process optimisation. A comprehensive suite of analytical technologies, including liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, enables rigorous quality assessment throughout development. RIF’s scalable operational and quality framework promotes reproducibility, traceability and translational readiness. A laboratory information management system provides complete sample and production traceability from template generation to the final formulated product. This digital infrastructure is supported by controlled documentation, defined quality-control checkpoints, equipment qualification and maintenance programs, and formalised service, partnership and purchasing agreements.
By integrating RNA manufacturing, delivery-system formulation, advanced analytical capability and quality-by-design principles, the RIF addresses a critical infrastructure gap between discovery research and translational development. The platform provides WA and nationwide researchers and industry partners with a streamlined pathway from mRNA concept to characterised therapeutic candidate, while connecting them with national expertise and infrastructure. Through collaborative research, workforce development and process harmonisation, the RIF strengthens WA’s contribution to Australia’s growing sovereign RNA capability.