The project has hit the ground running, having already signed Iain Hosie, a Taranaki-born biotechnology director and entrepreneur, who will kick off the research project to investigate the most relevant technologies and the best pathway to attracting startups to the region.
“There’s so much unrealised opportunity here. Taranaki uniquely intersects agriculture, energy resources, food and fibre engineering and, thanks to Taranaki Maunga, fantastic soil and biodiversity,” said Hosie.
“Globally, it is unique, and other countries and regions with these attributes have become biotechnology powerhouses. With the right business model, funding and ambition, I believe we can create a transformational new industry for Taranaki.”
Over time, the centre will have a laboratory and open-access pilot-scale facilities that will attract industry and researchers alike. It will also host courses to build science skills, host masters students performing unique research, deliver school programmes to support the local science curriculum and invite researchers to present public workshops and talks.
“Taranaki is full of brilliant minds who are quietly, or sometimes loudly, creating transformational innovations in their field,” said deputy chief executive and general manager of investment at Venture Taranaki Stacey Hitchcock.
“From major advances in conservation to new agricultural methods, we tend to do a lot with very little. We want to broadcast this brilliance to the world and create an environment where new industries can participate in an advanced economy.”
Hitchcock said Taranaki organisations quickly and effectively adopt new technologies and approaches to meet their goals, “as we have seen through initiatives such as Curious Minds Taranaki”.
“The Taranaki Applied Innovation Centre offers a way to continue to support this excellence at a grassroots level and bring it to the world stage.”
Through the creation of research collaborations, the centre will connect national and international researchers with local groups to enable mutually beneficial projects.
The centre will actively pursue research and development that creates real benefits for Taranaki, from the development of nature-based pharmaceuticals through to the use of AI in conservation monitoring.
With the region already recognised as a national leader in fields like food production and conservation technologies, Taranaki has the opportunity to establish the region as a lightning rod for innovators across the globe.
“With our economy navigating a period of significant uncertainty driven by the ongoing transition of major sectors like energy and agriculture, there is an opportunity to position the region at the forefront of biotechnology innovation.”
Through the attraction and retention of new biotechnology companies, Taranaki companies will have the opportunity to diversify and innovate their businesses for a whole new market.
Individuals and organisations interested in participating in this project should contact project manager Thom Adams at Thom@venture.org.nz.
