New Zealand biotech companies stand out

In this issue

• Insights from the Executive Director 
• BioTechNZ news and highlights
• What’s happening around the country and across the ditch?

Insights from the Executive Director

This month was another great month for our biotech companies. BioTechNZ ran a very successful workshop in Wellington last week – Accelerating Crop Bioprotectant Development from New Zealand – with 50+ people in attendance. As well, the BioTechNZ Executive Council has been out and about talking to Government ministers about the role of biotech in New Zealand (traditional to modern biotech). 

We have a lot going on during August, so check out the events and activities below. Firstly, a couple of amazing wins for our members. 

CONGRATULATIONS!
New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs

Rhonda Kite (Te Aupōuri, Ngai Tākoto, Ngāti Kuri), tech futurist Frances Valintine, CNZM, and our very own biotech pioneer Maxine Simmons, CNZM, were three new additions to the New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs.

Co.OfWomen founder Tara Lorigan said the award was a “unique endeavour to champion female power” by celebrating the significant achievements of the country’s business and entrepreneurial women. 

Cetogenix raises $4.5m seed funding

Congratulations to BioTechNZ Executive Council member Dr Trevor Stuthridge, Managing Director of Cetogenix, a New Zealand clean-tech start-up. Cetogenix has successfully raised $4.5m seed funding for its organic waste-to-renewable-energy technology. Read more here.

Marken New Zealand

Two BioTechNZ members have joined forces. Marken has acquired its long-time partner, Cedra. Cedra has worked with Marken since 2001, so it’s a very strong partnership, which will make for a seamless transition for its customers. Read about it here.
 
BioTechNZ news and highlights
Submissions

View our submission on the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Transformation Plan.

BioTechNZ Executive Council Elections

“Could you beat a Chaser? Come and have a go, if you think you’re clever enough.” It’s an open invitation issued by The Chase UK host, Bradley Walsh. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, BioTechNZ has a big year ahead. Nominate yourself or someone else for the Executive Council here.

Food waste report 
Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor

Food waste: A global and local problem – that’s one of the key messages in this report, the first in a series on food waste in Aotearoa New Zealand, which explains why food waste is a problem, across environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

What’s happening around the country and across the ditch?

Gut Instinct: The opportunities and challenges of
commercialising Kiwi science

Come listen to a panel of Kiwi entrepreneurs who are working on and with the gut. That’s not the only thing they have in common – they have all taken an idea and turned it into a commercial product. 

Date: 23 August 2022
Location: Tech Futures Lab
Time: 4:30-7:30pm, kick off 5pm
Cost: Free for members, $35 for non-members
Note: This is a physical event only 

Supported by: Aora Biosurgery and Tech Future Labs Register Here.

Beyond Number 8, by Lincoln Agritech
Video podcast series explores agritech

A new video podcast series is looking at the challenges and opportunities facing the agritech industry.

Beyond Number 8, by Lincoln Agritech, has already published three episodes on New Zealand’s agritech opportunity, the agritech skills gap, and women in agritech. Future issues will include the nitrate conundrum, innovating to overcome scarcity, and green tech.

The series is available as video to watch, or podcast to download and listen to on Lincoln Agritech’s website. You can also download from most podcast providers, or watch on YouTube.

Life Sciences Summit 2023
Biotechnology Solutions to Global Challenges

Putting the “BIO” back into the New Zealand economy
22 & 23 March 2023
Shed 6, Wellington

Bringing together New Zealand’s biotechnology and life sciences industries across all sectors – agricultural, environmental, industrial and human health – to recognise capability in New Zealand, and to promote research and commercialisation opportunities now and in the future to solve the biggest challenges on the planet.

This conference is a perfect neutral centre of gravity for discussion, debate, policy development and collaboration around biotechnology in New Zealand. We are currently working on the agenda and a fully detailed website. In the meantime, register your interest for the Life Sciences Summit 2023 – BIOTechNZ here.

BIO USA 2023

BioTechNZ is looking into the possibility of having a stand at BIO USA 2023. If we think this is a viable option, we will be looking for companies, universities and CRI who are interested in financially supporting us and having a presence on the New Zealand stand. If interested, contact us here.

Biotech & Beers- Hold the Date

BioTech & Beers is having a break this month, but will resume on 8 September, so save the date. Venues to be confirmed in next month’s newsletter. 

Synapse- Chiasma 2022
11 August 2022
Sir Owen G Glenn Building, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland CBD
6:30-9:30pm

Synapse is a FREE networking event that presents an opportunity for students, academics and industry members alike to be inspired by influential leaders in the STEM industry. Join us for an invigorating night with industry professionals, speakers, like-minded students, and FREE food. Come network alongside hundreds of other students and be inspired!

6:00pm – 6:30pm: Registration (students and industry members)
6:30pm – 7:30pm: Speakers 

• Dr Juliet Gerrard (Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor)
• Dr Will Barker (CEO, Mint Innovation)

7:30pm – 9:30pm: Exhibition & Networking

Value of Medicines Awards 2022

Since 2011, Medicines New Zealand has rewarded outstanding researchers for undertaking innovative research into the use of medicines or vaccines. In 2022, Medicines New Zealand relaunched the award scheme, after a brief hiatus due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Award Scheme now includes two awards: the Innovation Jump Start Award designed to provide financial assistance for an early career researcher and the Award for Excellence in Innovative Medicines Research which recognises an already established researcher for the contribution they have made to biopharmaceutical research in New Zealand.
Applications are now open.

BNZ Project Scale Up

Project Scale Up is a focused approach to financing a select portfolio of New Zealand’s highest growth and highest potential scale up tech businesses. If you have a minimum $5m of revenues, Tim Wixon would be keen to hear from you.

Success stories
BioTechNZ members, please share your news with us and we can celebrate together: info@biotechnz.org.nz

Zahra Champion
Executive Director