Challenge

Since 2014, the Genomics Workforce Development Program has trained more than 1,500 health professionals with Victorian government and partner funding. With existing funding scheduled to end in 2025, Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance needed a commercially sustainable business model to ensure the program’s continuation. The challenge was to identify a viable transition option that balanced financial sustainability with the program’s mission to build genomics capability across the health system.

Approach

CIS led a three-phase project to design and test the preferred transition model:

• Phase 1: Conducted extensive desk research into national and international genomics education models, followed by workshops with the Business Development Committee and executive team to test and refine options.

• Phase 2: Undertook further research and consultations with Committee members and external experts to analyse market gaps, pricing, and competitors, leading to the selection of a preferred model.

• Phase 3: Prepared a comprehensive business case including financial projections (conservative and aggressive), gap analysis, marketing strategy, governance framework, leadership and management structure, and risk plan. Reports and presentations were delivered to guide board decision-making.

Outcome

The preferred model was endorsed by the Melbourne Genomics Board and Committee, with the business case providing a clear pathway to transition the program to commercial sustainability.