Success on the global stage

Kia ora,

In this issue

Insights from our Executive Director

It’s the last sprint before a well-deserved break. BioTechNZ has had another great month, where I attended pivotal events in the biotech and life sciences calendar: Medicines New Zealand Annual Conference, Bridgewest Impactful Innovation Conference 2025, and AusBiotech 2025. Each was a great opportunity to catch up with key people in the sector and hear unique perspectives, and a renewed sense of momentum in our sector.

AusBiotech 2025 was a significant win. With the support of Biotechnologies Group – Callaghan Innovation, seventeen organisations attended AusBiotech, Melbourne. New Zealand having a stand was a first in the history of the biotech sector, and the Biotechnology New Zealand stand was a vibrant hub of activity. Many meetings and leads were generated – this is a definite win for the New Zealand biotechnology sector.

We still have a month to go, and we have a couple of things on our radar. I will be attending qLIFE, an International Conference on Quantum Technology in the Life Sciences, held 19–21 November 2025 in Wollongong, Australia. This event is organised by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) and marks the world’s first dedicated conference exploring how quantum technologies are transforming the life sciences. I look forward to reporting back.

The Biosciences Enterprise programme, The University of Auckland, will be holding its annual end-of-year gathering, where Bioscience Enterprise students, alumni, and BioTechNZ members will come together to celebrate a year of resilience, innovation, and global impact. Don’t forget to register, see below.

BioTechNZ Awards 2026 – Nominations now open!

Celebrate the rockstars and game-changers of New Zealand biotechnology! We’re seeking nominations for our Hall of Fame Award (recognising exceptional individuals) and Biotechnology of the Year Award (celebrating breakthrough technologies).

Winners will be announced at the Life Sciences Summit evening function on Tuesday, 10 March, 2026 in Wellington. Nominations close Friday, 12 December, 2025.

Ready to nominate? Submit your entry here

Help us recognise the excellence driving innovation in Aotearoa’s biotech sector!

Reminder: Member Survey – Last chance to shape 2026!

Don’t forget to complete our BioTechNZ Member Survey: Shaping 2026 Together. If you haven’t already, grab a cuppa and take a few minutes to share your thoughts – we really want to hear what’s important to you as part of the biotech ecosystem.

Your insights will directly shape BioTechNZ’s events, initiatives, and advocacy in 2026. This is your final opportunity to influence the future of biotech in Aotearoa. The quick 3-5-minute survey closes soon, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of biotech in New Zealand.

Take the survey now

Upcoming Events – Don’t Miss Out!

National momentum: Building awareness and community

27 November, 4.30pm – 6.30pm, CreativeHQ

Our speaker Ipshita Mandal-Johnson will tell us about her journey between building a bio revolution to revolutionising bio. Register here.

4 December, 4.45pm – 7.30pm, End-of-year celebration at Old Government House, University of Auckland. Register here.

9-11 March 2026, Tākina, Wellington

The programme for Life Sciences Summit 2026 Touchdown Day (Monday, 9 March) has been revealed. Tour Wellington’s top biotech facilities including Te Kāuru – Ferrier Research Institute – Synthetic & analytical chemistry and lipid nanoparticle labs at Gracefield, Biotechnologies Group at Callaghan Innovation, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, and Te Kāuru – Ferrier Research Institute – Synthetic and Chemical Biology Lab (Professor Emily Parker), followed by networking at Creative HQ. Super Saver tickets close 24 November. Register now.

International events: Mark your calendars

22-25 June, San Diego, CA

New Zealand will have a stand in the pavilion. Please contact info@biotechnz.org.nz if you are keen to be on the stand.

NZIAT AI funding: applications closing soon!

In case you missed it, applications are open for the NZIAT Artificial Intelligence Research Platform (and close on 20 November — just 8 days away!). This landmark Government investment of up to $70 million over seven years aims to lift New Zealand’s AI research and commercialisation for enduring competitive advantage. 

Learn more or join the Info Hub here.

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: Success on the global stage

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