Celebrating our year in biotech

Kia ora,

In this issue

• Insights from our Executive Director
• Events
• Member news

Insights from our Executive Director 

It has been a busy and rewarding few months to top off a very productive year! We attended Croplife Australia’s one day summit in Canberra and the Ausbiotech Conference in Melbourne. A huge thank you to everyone and their organisations for making this possible. It’s always fantastic to see New Zealanders recognised and valued at these key events. While I won’t comment on the current funding climate, it’s worth noting that the Catalyst Fund has identified research priorities and biotechnology is finally one of them! It wasn’t long ago that biotech wasn’t even part of the conversation at a Government level – a sign of how far we’ve come.

It has been a landmark year for BioTechNZ and our members. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the progress and achievements of 2024!

Key Achievements

Life Sciences Summit 2024

Ministerial Biotech Agenda:

• The Gene Technology Bill Departmental disclosure statement 
• The Regulatory Impact Statement 
• MBIE Gene Regulations Industry Group, including BiotechNZ.
• Ministerial Tour – Adelaide
  BioTechNZ in collaboration with Invest South Australia, organised a visit to BioCina, and CMAX, to showcase the biotech sector. This tour provided an excellent opportunity to discuss key objectives with the Minister, emphasising the importance of  strengthening infrastructure support, encouraging public private partnerships, and developing a  robust regulatory framework. These efforts aim to ensure a thriving sustainable industry, capable of driving innovation and long-term growth.
• Networking Events and Webinars, connecting the community through Forums, Bio and Welly Biotech Beers.  
• Attending Conferences has highlighted how rapidly technologies are converging, for example aerospace and quantum biotech. 
• Submissions to the Government on science reform included two co-bids for EOI for Applied Postdoctoral programme (MBIE).    
• BIO International Convention: More than 30 New Zealanders attended the BIO International Convention in San Diego. We were able to connect with over 20,000 industry leaders from across the globe, fostering valuable partnerships and collaborations.
• The Ambassador Programme watch this space 2025    

Upcoming Events

Life Sciences Summit 2025: Uniting biology and technology to unleash potential

Mark your calendars! The Life Sciences Summit is returning, 18-19 March, 2025 at the Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.  A couple of key things:

• Super Saver ticket sales end this Monday, 16 December, so take advantage of this great price.
• Back by popular demand is our touchdown event the day before the summit, 17 March, from 5 pm. Make sure you book your flights accordingly if you wish to attend. Stay tuned for more info about the touchdown event. 

Want to showcase your innovation at the summit? We have limited booths in our exhibition area still available. Contact Nikki.Wylder@techalliance.nz to secure your company’s presence at the Life Sciences Summit 2025. 

Thanks to our sponsors to date >>

Planning to attend USA BIO 2025? 

Great news for BioTechNZ members! As an ICBA member we have special access to member prices for   the 2025 BIO International Convention, 16-19 June, 2025 in Boston. To request your no obligation discount code, apply here before 9 January. BioTechNZ is also collaborating with NZTE to organise a delegation, so if you are considering attending and haven’t contacted me, please email me: zahra.champion@biotechnz.org.nz.

Member News 

There’s been plenty happening in our community and here are a few members making a real impact: 

• Taranaki is making exciting strides in the biotechnology sector. The regional development agency, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, has announced the launch of the Taranaki Applied Innovation Centre. This new hub aims to elevate the region’s innovation potential and establish a new biotechnology industry.
• Merck has an emerging biotech grant programme. It began in the USA in 2014 and expanded globally, and this year included Australia and New Zealand.  Merck recently announced this year’s regional winners – New Zealand’s Kimer Med. Merck hopes to run the programme again in the future so we encourage engagement from firms working in this space. Find out more.

Reintroducing Estendart Research Limited (ERL) following its evolution into a New Zealand-owned and operated modern Contract Research Organization. Expertise includes proof-of-concept studies, dose determination, preclinical research, target animal safety, pharmacokinetics, residue, and efficacy trials.  For more information visit ERL’s website.

Remember to send us your good news so we can share with your fellow members.

Ngā mihi
Zahra Champion
Executive Director, BioTechNZ

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Read full news here: Celebrating our year in biotech

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