Biotechnology
The New Zealand Advantage
» A rich pool of creative and commercially minded scientists, and a culture of science commercialisation.
» Robust biosecurity measures and animal disease-free status that supports opportunities in animal-derived therapeutics, agricultural and industrial biotechnologies.
» A stable business environment, with research and development costs 50 percent lower than in Europe and the US.
An environment of pure potential
New Zealand’s geographic isolation and strong biosecurity regulations have created a superior environment for animal health, enabling us to develop and attract expertise in natural products, bioactives, and animal-derived therapeutics. Our talented scientists and business people have capitalised on their tradition of close interaction to create a culture of commercialisation and international collaboration. These environmental, scientific and commercial capabilities have perfectly positioned New Zealand to deliver high value, globally relevant products for the changing world.
New Zealand’s biotechnology sector leverages key industries where we already excel, developing niche strengths in human health research, agriculture and animal research, forestry, and forensic and environmental sciences.
Biotechnology industries
Animal derived therapeutics
New Zealand is an ideal location for companies developing human therapeutics that require animal-derived ingredients. Companies are able to leverage our first-rate animal health status, rely on biosecurity, mitigate supply chain risk, and take advantage of New Zealand’s world-leading agricultural expertise during various stages of the product lifecycle.
We are already recognised as the location of choice for sourcing a range of animal based products, including high quality animal sera and blood / plasma products, with several domestic and international companies currently operating here.
Agricultural technology
A long history in farming, including more than 150 years of expertise in genetic improvement of animals and plants, has made New Zealand one of the world’s most efficient agricultural economies.
Our world-leading science, technologies and expertise in agriculture include reproduction and cloning, cultivar development, sustainable production, and bioprotection. These capabilities support the production of high quality foods and produce that earn a premium in international markets.
Medical technology and devices
Medical technology in New Zealand is significant in two respects - its breadth and potential. The sector makes the most of New Zealand’s strengths in biological and medical sciences and is backed by our expertise in specialised manufacturing, information technology and specialised electronics.
Our medical technology innovators have contributed technology such as the premature baby cooling cap, heated humidification devices, orthopaedic implants, patient monitoring technologies and patient management systems – with more in development.
Natural products / bioactives
Unique biodiversity, a pristine environment and expertise in primary production underpin New Zealand’s natural products and bioactives sector.
Our ability to develop technologies for manufacturing and marketing high value molecules is enhanced by our bioprocessing skills and the country’s combination of unique genetic and geological diversity. Along with our expertise in extracting beneficial compounds, New Zealand is well placed to help satisfy growing international demand for nutraceuticials, bioactives and functional health foods.
Biomedical / healthcare research
New Zealand has established a number of world class biomedical research teams in areas of neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and bone health, along with a demonstrated ability to spin off successful companies from research discoveries.
A partnership with New Zealand can help companies deliver new therapies and treatments in a high quality, cost effective manner. Our small, specialist healthcare companies are highly responsive to market developments, and make New Zealand an ideal place for drug development.
Industrial biotechnology
New Zealand’s diverse industrial biotechnology sector has the capability and ingenuity to help the world make the increasingly urgent transition to cleaner, greener manufacturing processes and products, and materials that are renewable, environmentally friendly and readily available.
New Zealand is an exporter in the industrial biotechnology sector with a focus on niche expertise. Our workforce is highly skilled and has the capability to undertake R&D in a number of significant industrial biotech segments including agriculture, nanotechnology, biocatalysts, enzymes, environmental management, biofuels and industrial and sustainable processes.
Contact our investment specialist
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has a New Zealand-based investment specialist who can provide advice on current opportunities in this area.
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