November, already?

In this issue

• Insights from our Executive Director 
• Congratulations to our members
• BioTechNZ Events

Insights from our Executive Director

I had a great couple of days at AusBiotech, where there were excellent sessions, over 80 booths, and lots of great conversations. When I walked into the pavilion, the prominent exhibitor stands were  Life Sciences Queensland (equivalent to BioTechNZ for the state), Host Partner – Queensland Government and AusBiotech. This clearly highlighted the significant involvement and financial support from the state/territory government in the biotech sector. These organisations also launched a significant number of initiatives for the sector in Queensland too which is also a proactive approach to fostering growth, innovation and industry collaboration. This matters because it signals a commitment to the advancement of the life sciences in the region, potentially leading to positive developments for the sector as a whole. 

If our incoming new Government is serious about supporting a high wage economy and solving some important challenges we need to see this kind of commitment too. This includes a long-term investment into the sector and a clear directive for various agencies to align for the same purpose. 

Congratulations to our members

GEN NZ Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 award: Congratulations to Kimer Med co-founder and CEO, Rick Kiessig, who was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year. 

“This award recognises Rick’s leadership, his generosity to the industry, and his encouragement of young people to engage in science and entrepreneurship. It is an award well-deserved, and we wish them well in the future,” the judges said.

Kimer Med is the fourteenth start-up Kiessig has been involved with. The Nelson-based biotech company has designed a platform for the rapid development of novel, broad-spectrum antivirals, a much needed weapon in the fight against viral diseases, and for future pandemic preparedness.
 

Mint Innovation appointment: Cleantech innovator Mint Innovation has appointed LanzaTech founder Dr Sean Simpson to its board of directors as it expands globally. Simpson, who brings 20 years’ experience commercialising pioneering technology platforms for sustainable fuels, chemicals and proteins, is expected to fuel Mint Innovation’s growth strategy. 

Please keep an eye out for our new members, without all of you we could not achieve the work we do for the sector.

Ngā mihi 
Zahra Champion
Executive Director, BioTechNZ

Read more here: November, already?