18 March 2016
Colin Dawson, Chief Operations Officer, Powerhouse Ventures, reports from the recent Wealth from Science Symposium in Wellington (–15 March)
Attendees at the Wealth from Science Symposium heard how conditions are ripe for New Zealand researchers seeking investment to convert their biotech and medical discoveries into wealth and high-quality biotech companies in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s reputation as a country with world-ranked biotech research is well deserved (#3 on the 2015 Scientific America Scorecard), and reflects the growing maturity of our collective research capability.
Powerhouse believes New Zealand’s scientists are increasingly ambitious and aware of the potential of their research projects. Working with leading researchers, Powerhouse provides capital and expertise, guiding strategy and helping to develop the technology and research into compelling businesses.
New Zealand’s biotech model now has the capability to build more value locally and cost effectively — at the same time that overseas investors are recognising and respecting the potential and opportunity within our New Zealand science community.
We have world-class scientists and a high-quality science system, an ethical country environment and lower costs, relative to the Northern Hemisphere. These factors, together with the low exchange rate providing further inducement, collectively position New Zealand biotech and medical research as very attractive investment opportunities.
Powerhouse is excited and encouraged by the progress of New Zealand’s biotech research sector. It has enormous potential, not only to create wealth and jobs, but also to change lives through ground-breaking therapies, diagnostic tools and medical devices.
Medical and healthcare companies represent more than a quarter of our portfolio. We are privileged to work with respected science teams from a number of New Zealand universities and crown research institutes that have developed strong patent portfolios. Our support and investment is a critical first step to develop these innovations into viable businesses that produce attractive returns and have widespread international implications and benefits.