01 March 2005

Progress continues in the relationship between Iowa and New Zealand as both parties look for ways to enhance economic development via the life sciences.

In January 2005, Cathy Hill and Martin Mitchell of the Iowa Department of Economic Development visited New Zealand. This was the third visit in a year between New Zealand and the state of Iowa. In that time the relationship has gone from one of general mutual interest to specific joint ventures between individual companies from the two regions.

The long-term hope is that the alliance will result in an increase in technology transfer between the regions, generate life sciences investment opportunities and resources in both regions, and create scientific innovation and synergies.

The visit included meetings with a number of the companies and research groups which already have blossoming relationships with Iowan entities.

One such company is Encoate which has developed a biopolymer which extends the shelf-life of food and microbe-based products. Additionally, New Zealand agritech software developer Xenacom recently opened an office in Iowa’s State University Research Park.

For more information:
www.encoate.com
www.xenacom.com
www.iowalifechanging.com