Advancing a Bio-Future for Aotearoa and Beyond

9-11 March 2026 | Tākina, Wellington

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Get ready for the 2026 Life Sciences Summit:
Advancing a Bio-Future for Aotearoa and Beyond.

Join the only summit in Aotearoa that brings together the full life sciences ecosystem to shape the future through biology, advanced tech, and innovation.

“The Life Sciences Summit 2026 is where science, technology, and policy come together. This year, we put biology at the center — shaping conversations around innovation, investment, and impact. Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, startup, or industry leader, you’re part of building a bio-future for Aotearoa and beyond.” – Zahra Champion, Executive Director, BioTechNZ

Monday 9 March – Touch Down & Tour

Get a head start with a curated biotech tour of local innovation hubs, followed by the Touch Down Networking Event — an energetic evening of startup pitches, informal networking, and a welcome to our international guests.

Tuesday 10 March – Summit Day 1

The main plenary day features keynote presentations, panel discussions, and fireside conversations with leaders across government, research, investment, and industry. Topics include advanced technologies, the future of NZ’s bioeconomy, gene tech regulation, quantum biology, and alternative funding models.

In the evening, join us for a relaxed and celebratory evening function — an opportunity to continue the conversations, make new connections, and recognise the people and ideas shaping the life sciences sector. Please note: This is a separately ticketed event.

Wednesday 11 March – Summit Day 2

Day two dives deeper with workshop-style sessions across four key streams: Human & Animal, Environmental & Industrial, Agritech, and Marine Biotech. Join practical, hands-on discussions designed to accelerate innovation and collaboration. The day culminates in a sector-wide manifesto session, where attendees will shape actionable policy recommendations for government.

The Life Sciences Summit 2026 provides Aotearoa’s life sciences ecosystem with an opportunity to share insights, spark collaboration, and shape a thriving and innovative bioeconomy for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

Created by BioTechNZ and NZTech, this is a must-attend event for researchers, innovators, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders committed to advancing the future of life sciences in New Zealand and beyond.

Partnership Opportunities

The Life Sciences Summit 2026 offers a unique opportunity to explore how biology is shaping the future of innovation, technology, and policy in Aotearoa and beyond. This is the premier gathering of New Zealand’s life sciences ecosystem — a place to connect with a highly engaged audience of researchers, startups, investors, government leaders, and industry experts, and to help build a thriving, future-focused bioeconomy.