Kia ora,
In this issue
- Insights from our Executive Director
- Key Achievements
- Upcoming Events
- Member News
Insights from our Executive Director
As 2025 draws to a close, BioTechNZ extends warm wishes to all our members, partners, and friends.
This year has been one of growth, innovation, and impact, and it’s thanks to your support that we’ve achieved so much together. We are a passionate group of people in our biotech community who continue to punch above our weight in good times and tough times, and our membership organisation is no different. Here’s what we’ve achieved together this year:
- BioTechNZ played a key role in the Gene Technology Reform.
- Life Sciences Summit 2025brought together global leaders, researchers, and innovators to advance New Zealand’s bio‑future.
- Awards & Recognition: We launched the BioTechNZ Hall of Fame Award, celebrating excellence and spotlighting key biotech leaders.
- Global Outreach: Our members showcased Kiwi biotech at USA BIO and AusBiotech, strengthening international partnerships.Malaghan Institute of Medical Research on AusBiotech: “It was great having a shared home base where Kiwis could reconnect and learn more about the work of other BioTechNZ members. Being on the booth meant promoting both our own institute and the wider New Zealand biotech ecosystem, and it encouraged plenty of collaboration. It also provided an easy place for potential partners and clients to stop in and discover what our sector has to offer. We would do this again in a heartbeat.”
- Local Outreach: BioTechNZ’s “Biotech ‘n’ Beers” events in Wellington have become a lively hub for networking, while Auckland’s Bioscience Enterprise has been a regular event to bring students, academics, and industry together.
Celebrate your achievements, enjoy a well‑earned break, switch off those devices this holiday, and have a safe break!
BioTechNZ Awards 2026 – Nominations closed
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the BioTechNZ Awards 2026. Winners will be announced at the Life Sciences Summit evening function on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 in Wellington. We look forward to recognising the excellence driving innovation in Aotearoa’s biotech sector!
Tech New Zealand Launch
Last week marked an exciting milestone for our ecosystem — NZTech and the Tech Alliance came together as Tech New Zealand, creating one unified voice for technology across Aotearoa.
BioTech New Zealand is proud to be part of this connected network of 16 communities working together to strengthen our tech sector and drive positive impact across the motu. This evolution gives us greater collective influence while maintaining the specialist focus that makes each community strong.Together, we’re ensuring technology serves our people, our places, and our future.
Learn more about Tech New Zealand
Upcoming Events – Don’t Miss Out!
National momentum: Building awareness and community
WELLINGTON | Life Sciences Summit – International keynote speaker announced
9-11 March 2026, Tākina, Wellington
We’re delighted to announce Dr Dirk van der Kley, Head of the Genes and Geopolitics Program & Senior Technology Research Fellow at the Australian National University’s National Security College, will deliver the opening keynote at our Life Sciences Summit 2026.
Dr van der Kley leads groundbreaking work on how biotechnology advances reshape geopolitics and vice versa. His team publishes the widely read Bio Brawl Substack, which closely tracks China’s biotech development.
Early bird tickets close 11 February 2026. Register now.
International events: Mark your calendars
BIO USA 2026
22-25 June, San Diego, CA
New Zealand will have a stand in the pavilion – join us to connect with global biotech leaders and showcase New Zealand innovation. Please contact info@biotechnz.org.nz if you are keen to be on the stand. Learn more about the Bio International Convention.
Member News
Amerging Technologies is pleased to announce the successful installation and commissioning of an advanced production-scale fermenter, marking another significant step forward in our mission to deliver world-class bioprocessing solutions to our global partners.
This milestone highlights our commitment to supporting industries worldwide with cutting-edge fermentation technology designed for reliability, performance, and regulatory compliance. If you want to know more please contact Arun Luthra at Amerging Technologies.
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 here: Looking back at 2025, stepping forward into 2026