Helping shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s biotech future
New Zealand’s biotech sector is one of the country’s greatest untapped opportunities. Biology is the foundation; technology is the toolkit.
BioTechNZ Ambassadors are advocates, connectors and champions for biotechnology. They help grow the biotech community by sharing ideas, building relationships and bringing people into the conversation.
“We help each other build something great.”
Our ambassadors
This volunteer programme brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, communicators and advocates who want to help build the future of biotechnology in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Together, they contribute their experience, networks and perspectives to help strengthen the sector.
Ambassador tiers
The programme has three tiers, designed for different career stages and contributions. Ambassadors may progress through the tiers as their careers develop.
Emerging Leader Ambassadors
Mid-career · New Zealand-based
Emerging Leader Ambassadors are active contributors who are building their careers and networks while helping to grow New Zealand’s biotech community.
They support BioTechNZ activities, events and outreach, share fresh perspectives, and champion biotechnology through their own networks.
- Helen Haywood
- Kate Pictures
- Jenita Venkatesh
- Maryia Datskevich
- Mia Kibiki
- Scott Clifford
- Sarah Dang
- Adam Hannaford
- Hugo Poland
Ambassador Champions
Senior · New Zealand-based
Ambassador Champions are senior leaders who provide guidance, connections and mentorship to help strengthen New Zealand’s biotech community.
They support Emerging Leader Ambassadors, help highlight BioTechNZ membership opportunities and act as credible advocates for the programme and the sector.
- Amira Salem
- Mridula Matthews
- Brendon Woodhead
- Olivia Worthington
- Jay Mallinson
- Lee Ann Zandra Tejada
- Lara Renkema
- Leah Graham
- Sridevi Raja Priya
- Sanjeev Vencu Raikar
- Kate McGirr
- Maya Tangestani
- Emily Mason
- Mark Jones
- Brent Callaghan
- Hannah McKerchar
- Prishanthini Muthulingam
- Khurram Naseem
International Ambassadors
Senior · Based outside New Zealand
International Ambassadors help connect New Zealand’s biotech community with the world.
They build international relationships, share global insight with the BioTechNZ community, and connect New Zealand innovators with opportunities, expertise and markets overseas.
Meet the people helping shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s biotech future. View our people →