New Zealand Biotechnology
New Zealand Biotechnology Overview
New Zealand biotechnology has an increasing number of international partnerships, rising investment and growing commercial success – all underpinning New Zealand's increasing profile as a vibrant and maturing member of the global biotechnology industry.
New Zealand has developed wide-ranging research excellence, with particular strengths in agriculture, animal health, forestry, pharmaceutical research, industrial biotechnology, ag-biotech, ag-tech, and the emerging medical devices and diagnostics sector.
The innovative Kiwi nature lends itself to an innate ability to grasp new and diverse technologies and techniques. Current capabilities range from genomics, particularly gene probes and sequencing, proteomics and other molecular technologies in cell or tissue culture, to large-scale production fermentation, and industrial biotechnologies such as bio-leaching and bio-remediation.
Approximately 40 percent of activity is concentrated in agricultural biotechnology, consistent with New Zealand's global position in sectors such as pastoral industries, forestry and horticulture. The next largest area is medical devices and diagnostics, accounting for 23 percent of expenditures, with industrial applications at 19 percent and human health with 17 percent of activity.
In the last few years, New Zealand's biotechnology industry has focused on developing strong international partnerships and cultivating positive growth. Combine this with a supportive central industry body, NZBio, government and industry, the sector is on track to continue to grow and mature successfully.
