Hunter Medical Research Institute will receive a $2 million donation from Newcastle Permanent, which aims to create "positive social change".
The new partnership, revealed on Wednesday, was touted as a "commitment to the Hunter" and "an investment in the future of the region".
The donation will aim to advance the effects of medical research, nurture local talent and "drive breakthroughs to create the healthiest people on the planet".
The partnership will include an "innovation accelerator" to progress research concepts.
A Newcastle Permanent emerging innovator award will be established to recognise promising researchers.
This will be open to those working across the district, including University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health.
HMRI CEO, Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, said the partnership would boost "the health and wellbeing of our communities".
"This collaboration will drive novel health solutions," she said.
She said it would combine HMRI's "world-class research" with Newcastle Permanent's "commitment to community wellbeing".
"A key focus is supporting emerging researchers in the Hunter New England region, as they work to tackle the diseases affecting our families, friends and communities."
Bernadette Inglis, CEO of NGM Group - which includes Newcastle Permanent - said the partnership was a "model for how industry can collaborate with research institutions".
She said this would "drive innovation and positive social change".
The partnership will establish a "pre-investment program designed to support emerging researchers in advancing their innovative ideas from conception to market readiness".
This aimed to build a bridge between research and commercialisation.
Ms Inglis said that fostering a culture of "collaboration and investment-readiness" would help the Hunter become a "global leader in medical research".
"HMRI is brimming with talented individuals," she said.
"Our hope is that this partnership will accelerate the development of world-leading research that can make a lasting difference to the health of our community."
Professor Kay-Lambkin said HMRI had a 26-year partnership with the University of Newcastle and the Hunter New England Health district.
This had helped "break down barriers between researchers, clinicians, industry and investors".
She noted that Newcastle Permanent was "one of three founding partners in the establishment of HMRI".
Professor Chris Levi, of John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, welcomed a big business funding medical research, "especially as government grants become more limited".
He said it would support the innovation precinct.
"It puts our community at the heart of healthcare advancements, ensuring research is ... relevant to local needs."
Warwick Dawson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of industry and engagement at the University of Newcastle, said the partnership would boost the region's ability to "lead in health innovation".
"By linking university and HMRI research with industry, we're building a pipeline of innovation that will benefit our health and drive economic and social growth."
