The biotech industry in New Zealand is worth an estimated US$2.7 billion. Photo Credit: GettyImages/ipopba
In a bid to bolster New Zealand’s biotechnology and life sciences
reputation, BioTechNZ, WellingtonNZ, and Business Events Wellington have
launched a dedicated annual summit.
The first Life Sciences Summit will take place 22-23 March 2023 at
Shed 6, a waterfront venue. From 2024 onwards, the conference will be
based at Wellington’s new convention centre, Tākina, with the aim of
growing the event year on year to attract wider domestic and
international audiences.
“Our objective is to bring New Zealand’s biotechnology and Life
Sciences industries together across the sectors, including agricultural,
environmental, industrial and human health,” said BioTechNZ executive
director Zahra Champion.
“Having this breadth of participants highlights New Zealand’s
capability, and promotes research and commercial opportunities to solve
the biggest challenges on the planet.”
New Zealand currently ranks fourth in the world for innovation potential in biotech with 211 companies based in the country.
WellingtonNZ business & innovation general manager, Rebekah
Campbell added: “Biotech is an increasingly important industry in New
Zealand for addressing our pressing environmental health, climate, and
food challenges.
“To date, there hasn’t been an event that draws together business,
academia, government, and investors across this sector in Aotearoa. The
innovation and commercial potential for this sector is immense, and this
event will serve as a platform for growth.”
Wellington’s the home of Callaghan Innovation’s Gracefield Innovation
Quarter, which has been earmarked for a new Biotech Hub; The Malaghan
Institute of Medical Research, New Zealand's independent biomedical
research institute; and some of New Zealand’s best Life Sciences
research centres, including Scion, NIWA, AgResearch, GNS, HortResearch
and Victoria University, making it a fitting host for the Life Sciences
Summit.
“Supporting an event like this meets our objective of retaining and
growing conferences and business events in sectors that leave a positive
impact for the Wellington region,” Business Events Wellington manager
Irette Ferreira said.
“It builds upon our existing life sciences knowledge infrastructure
and utilises the city’s networks and proximity to government to showcase
our strengths and drive positive change – economically, socially, and
environmentally.”
Source: AMI Magazine