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Global Conversations to Homegrown Networking: BioTechNZ in Action
Kia ora,
In this issue
- Insights from our Executive Director
- Events
- The NZ Bio Challenge
- Member News
Insights from our Executive Director
We are all acutely aware of how tough things are, but the biotech sector never ceases to amaze me. There is so much going on, and we just keep punching above our weight.
Over the past month, we saw BioTechNZ and its members taking us from global stages to grassroots conversations right here in Aotearoa. I feel very proud to be part of BioTechNZ, so let’s hear what you have all been up to.
International Engagement: Putting NZ Biotech on the Map
A strong contingent of Kiwis recently attended BIO Boston in the USA. This year NZTE was involved and this is a game changer for BioTechNZ. Instead of the touchdown event that Brandon Biocatalyst supports, this year they teamed up with Bridgewest and NZTE to join forces and host an exclusive networking reception ahead of the BIOInternational Convention 2025.
Feedback from the event ‘Attending BIO 2025’ was a powerful reminder of the global momentum in life sciences, and the opportunity for New Zealand to define its place within it. With the theme “Collaboration Can’t Wait,” the event spotlighted transformative technologies like AI, RNA, and cell and gene therapies, all converging to build healthier populations through global partnerships.
What does this mean for New Zealand?
We have the research excellence, innovation mindset, and community strength to compete globally. Now is the time to:
- Define why companies should stay, invest, and scale here
- Build a coordinated, end-to-end biotech ecosystem
- Amplify our unique value to the world
Let’s take inspiration from global leaders and shape a bold, connected, and distinctly Kiwi bioeconomy.
Check out the New Zealand Biotech brochure here.
Special thanks to Charles Besadly, BioTechNZ Ambassador, for representing us during the Country Session at BIO Boston.
Events
National Momentum: Building Awareness and Community
Back on home soil, we’ve hosted a series of events designed to spark dialogue, foster connections, and raise awareness of biotech’s role in shaping our future.
- Welly BioTech N Beers
A huge shoutout to Sam Wojick (BioTechNZ Ambassador) and Emily Mason who are doing an amazing job. Check out the highlights from their last event.
- University of Auckland – BioScience Enterprise Networking
BioTechNZ has a fantastic relationship with the University of Auckland Bioscience Enterprise programme, and we run regular networking events. We had a hugely successful evening on 26 June “From Side Project to Startup: A Journey into Veterinary Medicine”, where Leila de Koster spoke.
- Christchurch Biotech Ecosystem Event
We teamed up with ChristchurchNZ, the University of Canterbury, and the Biomolecular Interaction Centre to bring together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators shaping the future of bioprocessing, commercialisation, and sustainability. Read more here.
Upcoming Events – Don’t Miss Out!
Missed these events? No worries we have another month of networking
- 17 July: Adapting or Declining: The New Era of Learning and Innovation – Bioscience Enterprise Networking Event. Register here.
- 31 July: ‘Biotech Connect’: Taranaki. Register here.
- 25 July: Welly Biotech ‘n’ Beers. Register here.
International Events – Mark Your Calendars
- AusBiotech International Conference 2025
Tuesday 21 – Friday 24 October, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Please contact me if you are thinking of attending, as we have a group discount rate. We will also be joining a NZinc stand, so if you’re interested to join us please let us know. A special shout out to Ella Reshef, another one of our BioTechNZ Ambassadors who is helping to make this happen!
- BIO USA 2026
22-25 June, San Diego, CA
Next year, New Zealand will have a stand in the Pavilion, please contact info@bioechnz.org.nz if you are keen to be on the stand.
- Life Sciences Summit – Hold the Date!
10-11 March, Takina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wellington. Register your interest here.
The New Zealand Bio Challenge 2025
BioTechNZ and BioSouth launched the New Zealand Bio Challenge 2025 at this year’s Life Sciences Summit.
The Bio Challenge will provide $250,000 in funding to support New Zealand start-ups, research organisations, and universities in taking their most promising microbial products from the benchtop to scale-up production.
Interested in applying? Register here.
Member News
Dr Paul Tan of NZeno recently participated in the Xiangshan Science Conference (24–25 May) in Beijing. The academic seminar, titled “China–New Zealand Bilateral Symposium on Advanced Therapies: Frontier Scientific Issues and Key Technologies in Xenotransplantation and Cell Therapy,” brought together over 50 senior scientists and emerging researchers from both countries.
Remember to send us your good news so we can share with your fellow members.
Ngā mihi
Zahra Champion
Executive Director, BioTechNZ
Read full news: Global Conversations to Homegrown Networking: BioTechNZ in Action
