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Explore our three – day conference programme filled with inspiring keynote presentations, engaging panel discussions, and plenty of networking opportunities in the company of biotech leaders from Aotearoa and around the world.
Touchdown Tour | As a lead-up to the Life Sciences Summit 2026, we’re holding an exclusive guided tour of Wellington’s most cutting-edge biotech research facilities. This is an exciting opportunity to go behind the scenes and witness firsthand the groundbreaking work shaping the future of biomedical research and synthetic biology in New Zealand.
12:30 PM – Bus Pickup at Tākina Depart from outside Te Papa (directly across from Cable Street entrance to Tākina)
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM – Transport to Lower Hutt
1:00 PM – 2:35 PM – Ferrier Institute & Callaghan Innovation (Lower Hutt)
Begin at New Zealand’s premier research and innovation hub, where you’ll explore protein science, lipids and natural products NMR suite, process engineering and fermentation facilities. Experience presentations from both organisations showcasing their capabilities in advancing biotechnology innovation. Light refreshments and networking opportunities included.
3:05 PM – 3:35 PM – Transport to Victoria University
3:35 PM – 4:15 PM – Malaghan Institute of Medical Research (Victoria University)
Visit New Zealand’s world-class independent biomedical research charity, specialising in immunology and immunotherapy. Tour the Hugh Green Technology Centre and CAR-T labs, where pioneering scientists are making CAR T-cell therapy a standard of care for blood cancers in Aotearoa. Learn about their cutting-edge work in cancer immunotherapy and infectious disease research.
4:15 PM – 4:25 PM – Walking transition between campus facilities
4:25 PM – 4:55 PM – Emily Parker Biology Lab (Victoria University)
Conclude at Victoria University’s state-of-the-art synthetic and chemical biology laboratories. Discover research spanning microbial growth, protein purification, and chemical isolation that’s driving biomedical discoveries and biotech innovation.
4:55 PM – 5:10 PM – Transport to Networking Event at Creative HQ
Kick off Life Sciences
Summit 2026 in style at our Touchdown Networking Event at Creative HQ, brought
to you by BioTechNZ, ASX and WellingtonNZ. This pre-summit gathering is your
chance to connect with fellow biotech enthusiasts, meet our international speakers
and delegates, and get a first look at the innovation shaping Aotearoa’s
bio-future.
Join us for drinks,
platters, and informal networking as we celebrate the energy, talent, and
collaboration that defines New Zealand’s life sciences community. The evening
will feature short welcomes from Zahra Champion, Executive Director of
BioTechNZ, and our sponsor ASX. Limited spaces available.
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.
The morning of Day One sets the tone for the Life Sciences Summit 2026, beginning with a warm welcome and high-level insights from local and international leaders. Delegates will hear from government representatives, keynote speakers, and participate in strategic discussions around emerging technology and investment in New Zealand’s life sciences sector.
Highlights include:
The afternoon explores cutting-edge innovation, regulatory landscapes, and commercialisation opportunities. Keynotes and panels delve into frontier science topics such as quantum technologies and gene editing, followed by rapid-fire talks from innovators and a creative, memorable closing experience.
Highlights include:
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.
Stay tuned for a detailed agenda, speaker announcements, and session abstracts.
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