Boost for Waikato biotech community

Boost for Waikato biotech community

A new era of opportunity has begun for biotechnology in the Waikato, with the establishment of NZBio/Waikato and the appointment of Janine Cowling as Regional Coordinator for the area.

“As the industry body for biotechnology in New Zealand an important part of our work is to link those involved in the sector with what is happening nationally and internationally, which helps to provide opportunities for commercial success,” NZBio's CEO Brian Ward says.

“We look forward to bringing a new dimension of support and networking to local biotech companies and organizations, which Janine Cowling will help facilitate as the NZBio/Waikato Regional Coordinator. “This is a model that has worked well in other areas and we are confident it will also be successful here.” An official launch will be held today, Tuesday 24th October, at Innovation Waikato. Speakers at the event include Brian Ward, AgResearch’s CEO Dr Andrew West and their Chief Science Strategist Dr Stephen Goldson. AgResearch Chairman Rick Christie says he is pleased NZBio has decided to launch a chapter in the Waikato.

“The Waikato region is a significant hub for New Zealand’s Agricultural Biotechnology capability and it makes sense for NZBio to form a chapter there.”

He says since NZBio was instituted in 2003 the organisation had helped put the New Zealand biotechnology sector on the map.

“New Zealand is now beginning to leverage its position as a world leader in agricultural primary production with a strong tradition of scientific excellence to develop a world-renowned biotechnology sector.

“Last year the biotech sector contributed $811 million to the economy and it looks set to break the billion dollar mark in the near future. NZBio will be crucial in its development as the sector continues to grow.”

ENDS

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