For those who joined us for the Life Sciences Summit, it was outstanding. I work with the team to create the content; however, on the day, it’s our speakers who truly bring it to life. Their insights, energy, and real‑world experience transform ideas into inspiration. Thank you to all our speakers.
We were also proud to share BioTech New Zealand’s new look on the day — a clearer, stronger identity that reflects who we are, who we serve, and what we’re working toward: maximising New Zealand’s bioscience and technology capability to build a strong bioeconomy that benefits all New Zealanders.
In my opening presentation, I shared my vision for 2026; a future where technology and biology don’t just sit alongside each other, but truly merge.
Aotearoa has a history of bold leadership — from pioneering EFTPOS and internet banking to embracing digital innovation early. But today, our leadership looks different. We’ve become so focused on caution, safety, and privacy that the real risk is standing still while the rest of the world accelerates.
To stay competitive, we need a new balance:
- Trusted, but unafraid
- Responsible, but bold
- Grounded, but willing to leap
With nearly 400 of us gathered, our collective influence is enormous. Ideas spread because of trust, and each of you is trusted in your field. If we choose to champion a vision where biology becomes the engine of the future — where gene tech, synthetic biology, quantum, AI, and planetary health converge — we can shift the thinking of an entire country in months, not decades.
Aotearoa has led before. There’s no reason we can’t lead again.
Read our Life Sciences Summit highlights blog for more insights, standout moments, and key takeaways from the day here→
Upcoming Events
Save the dates: 2026 Biosciences Enterprise Forums
Join us for the 2026 Biosciences Enterprise Forums – a key series of intimate, high-impact sessions bringing together Auckland’s biotech leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and industry experts.
Hosted in partnership with the Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology / University of Auckland, these forums spotlight emerging opportunities in deep tech for health, precision fermentation, gene editing commercialisation, sustainable biomanufacturing, and the evolving bioeconomy.
Key Highlights:
- Expert panels and guest speakers on real-world enterprise challenges
- Networking drinks and focused discussions
- Insights to bridge science, business, and investment
Dates:
- Friday, 27 March: Register here →
Guest Speaker: Saba Samiei, Founder and CEO Masco, is a leading voice in exploring how artificial intelligence can transform the future of animal health. Her work highlights the power of AI-driven tools to improve disease detection, enhance veterinary decision‑making, and support more sustainable, humane care for animals.
- Friday, 17 April – Sabre Celebration: Register here →
- Friday, 22 May: Register here →
- Friday, 26 June: Register here →
The full program will be shared soon, but please block your calendars and register now to secure your spot.
This is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and shape New Zealand’s growing biosciences future. We look forward to seeing you there!
2026 Ferrier Public Lecture
1 April 2026 | Wellington
Join us for the 2026 Ferrier Public Lecture with Professor Richard Payne (University of Sydney), exploring how peptide natural products are inspiring the next wave of drug discovery. Learn more and register here →
APHANZ Annual Conference 2026 | Grass Roots, Green Shoots
22 July 2026 | Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
Join us for the 2026 Ferrier Public Lecture with Professor Richard Payne (University of Sydney), exploring how peptide natural products are inspiring the next wave of drug discovery. Learn more and register here →
Primary Industries New Zealand Summit & Awards
23 – 24 June 2026 | Auckland
Join us for the 2026 Ferrier Public Lecture with Professor Richard Payne (University of Sydney), exploring how peptide natural products are inspiring the next wave of drug discovery. Learn more and register here →
BIO USA 2026
22-25 June | San Diego, CA
The New Zealand stand in the Pavilion is well underway – thank you to NZTE for your support. Brandon Capital and Bridgewest Ventures will also be supporting through networking events.
AusBiotech
20-23 October 2026 | Queensland
Let me know if you are keen to be part of the stand again for 2026, and thoughts on what we can do the same or better. I look forward to hearing from you. Email: info@biotechnz.org.nz
Remember to send us your good news so we can share with fellow members.
Ngā mihi,
Zahra Champion
Executive Director, BioTech New Zealand
Read full news here: Life Sciences Summit reflections + upcoming events