Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology

The Minister for Research, Science & Technology, the Hon. Dr Wayne Mapp visits the IIB

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Dr Wayne Mapp briefed an audience of around 70 representatives from the bio-industry, local government and the University of Auckland, on the Government’s research, science and technology priorities. In reply, Dr Peter Lee, CEO of UniServices, highlighted the University’s success in commercialising academic research including the launch of several new start-up companies. Professor Joerg Kistler, Director of the School of Biological Sciences, gave a progress report on the growth of the IIB bio-incubator and on the construction of the Thomas Building extension which is rapidly moving skywards. The event was held in the Members Lounge of Old Government House providing plenty of networking over afternoon tea.

Source: The Minister for Research, Science & Technology, the Hon. Dr Wayne Mapp visits the IIB

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise takes an office in the IIB

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +1300

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand Government’s national economic development agency. NZTE works to improve the international competitiveness and sustained profitability of New Zealand business by providing access to people, knowledge and opportunities. In 2004 NZTE first supported the University of Auckland’s initiative to develop and run a pilot entrepreneurship course. The success of the pilot led the University to develop the Bioscience Enterprise programme, which NZTE continues to support. NZTE will use the IIB office to maintain and develop relationships within the University and companies co-located within the IIB.

Source: New Zealand Trade & Enterprise takes an office in the IIB

InSyGen Therapeutics Ltd joins the IIB

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +1300

Founded in 2008 by Mr Stephen Wallace and Professor Russell Snell, InSyGen Therapeutics Ltd is using comparative genomics to discover novel human drug targets and develop therapeutics with an initial focus on obesity and diabetes. Co-location in the IIB provides the company with access to a broad range of relevant technology and expertise.

Source: InSyGen Therapeutics Ltd joins the IIB

Mayor of Auckland City turns first sod for construction of IIB bio-incubator

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Auckland City Major John Banks launched construction of innovative new research space to enable expansion of the IIB bio-incubator in the University’s School of Biological Sciences. The new $30M building will seamlessly connect to the Thomas Building and expand research space to over 10,000m2. The new Laboratories will allow co-location of academic and industry scientists to accelerate R & D by sharing facilities and expertise. It is expected that up to 12 companies can be allocated space when the building opens in late 2010. Currently research teams of five companies are co-located in the existing Thomas Building. Read more about how the IIB bio-incubator supports the growth of New Zealand biotechnology sector.

Source: Mayor of Auckland City turns first sod for construction of IIB bio-incubator

Plant & Food Research launches summer studentship programme 2009/10

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +1200

Plant & Food Research, formerly HortResearch, is offering up to 20 internships for the forthcoming summer period. This is the third year in a row that the CRI offers a wide variety of summer projects to let University students experience how commercially relevant R & D is undertaken in the industry. The annual summer studentship programme is seen as a cornerstone in the CRI’s partnership with the IIB and aims at increasing the number of students undertaking postgraduate studies in plant science.

Source: Plant & Food Research launches summer studentship programme 2009/10