LIFE SCIENCES SUMMIT
Programme
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.
Monday 9 March - Touchdown
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.
Tour Schedule:
12:00 PM – Bus Pickup at Tākina Depart from outside Te Papa (directly across from Cable Street entrance to Tākina)
12:30 PM – 2:45 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. Lunch provided.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Transport to Victoria University
3:30 PM – 4:10 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.
4:20 PM – 4:25 PM – Walking transition between campus facilities
4:25 PM – 4:50 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.
4:50 PM – 5:05 PM – Transport to Networking Event at Creative HQ
Touchdown Networking Event | Creative HQ, 5-7pm
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.
Tuesday 10 March - Day One
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.
8am – Registration and tea/coffee. Morning networking. Expo open.
8.50am – Mihi Whakatau by Peter Jackson
9am – Opening and welcome from MC Victoria Metcalf
9.10am – Welcome from BioTechNZ Executive Director Zahra Champion
9.15am – Government Ministerial Address: Policy Priorities and the Future of New Zealand’s Life Sciences
Join us for a real-time update on government policy directions shaping New Zealand’s life sciences sector. Hear directly about current priorities, upcoming initiatives, and how government investment and regulation will support innovation and growth across the bioeconomy.
9.30am – Opening keynote (international) – to be advised
10am – To be advised
10.10am – MORNING TEA BREAK (Expo open)
10.55am – Keynote speaker: Susan Travis. Topic to be advised.
11.10am – Panel Discussion: Biology meets advanced tech: Cross-sector opportunities for impact
This cross-sector panel brings together leaders from human and animal health, environmental and industrial biotech, and agritech to explore how advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and quantum are transforming their fields. Discover how these innovations are converging, where collaboration can accelerate progress, and what’s needed to scale these breakthroughs across Aotearoa.
Moderator: Susan Travis
Panellists:
Merryn Tawhai
11.40am – Keynote speaker: Will Knox
From lab to investment: A founders journey
Join Will Knox for an insider’s perspective on navigating the investment landscape in life sciences. Drawing from real-world experience as a New Zealand company that has successfully secured investment, Will will share practical insights on what investors look for, how to position your science for funding, and the realities of building a fundable life sciences business.
Discover strategies for approaching investors, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to align your innovation with market opportunities in the evolving bioeconomy.
11.55am – Panel Discussion: Pathway to raising capital: Alternative funding for pre-clinical innovation
What does it take to fund a breakthrough when traditional VC models don’t fit? Joining Blair Harrison, this panel features investors and ecosystem builders exploring alternative funding pathways. Learn how to position your science for broader capital and how we can build a more diverse funding ecosystem in New Zealand.
Moderator: Blair Harrison
Panellists:
Michael Baker
Will Knox
12.25pm – LUNCH BREAK (Expo open)
1.25pm – Panel Discussion: Advanced tech & the bioeconomy: New Zealand’s window of opportunity
This Panel will explore what this means for New Zealand’s economy, workforce, and global competitiveness. Discover how we can turn our strengths in science, sustainability, and policy into a thriving, future-focused bioeconomy.
Moderator: John Robson
Panellists:
John Roche
Nicole Gaston
2.05pm – Keynote speaker: Dr Michael Baker (Topic to be advised).
2.15pm – Panel Discussion: Accelerating impact: Commercialisation strategies for New Zealand
Join leading voices from across New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem as they explore how effective commercialisation can unlock the full potential of our world-class science. This panel will examine the critical role commercialisation plays in transforming research into economic impact, creating jobs, and positioning New Zealand as a global leader in the bioeconomy.
Discover strategies for accelerating the journey from lab to market, overcoming commercialisation barriers, and building the infrastructure needed to supercharge New Zealand’s scientific advantage.
2.50pm – Panel Discussion (Topic to be advised).
3.20pm – AFTERNOON TEA BREAK
3.50pm – Quickfire Talks – Start Ups (To be advised).
4.40pm – Closing Karakia by Victoria Metcalf
4.50pm – 5.50pm – Networking
6pm – 10pm – Evening Function
Wednesday 11 March - Day Two
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.
Stay tuned for a detailed agenda, speaker announcements, and session abstracts.