20 Kiwi biotech companies will be showcased at this week's Bio International Convention in Washington DC. Photo / Thinkstock
20 Kiwi biotech companies will be showcased at this week's Bio International Convention in Washington DC. Photo / Thinkstock
New Zealand biotech companies will have the chance to promote their skills to the world at a top biotechnology conference in the United States this week.
Science and Innovation Wayne Mapp is on his way to Washington DC to attend the Bio International Convention, which is a major global biotechindustry event attended by close to 20,000 people.
"Twenty of New Zealand's top biotech and other related companies are showcasing New Zealand skills, products and services. It is a unique opportunity for New Zealand," he said.
Dr Mapp said the visit was an opportunity to advance New Zealand's science relationship with the US in the wake of the Wellington Declaration, which last year promised regular political and military talks.
He will also visit San Francisco to touch base with the ICT Launching Pad project, which is an initiative led by Trade Me founder Sam Morgan to provide a "shopfront" for New Zealand information and communications technology (ICT) businesses in the US.
"It is an initiative that will help realise the potential of New Zealand innovation and research in the US and beyond," he said.
Dr Mapp will also meet with his Australian counterpart, Senator Kim Carr, to discuss progress on an Anzac bid to host the Square Kilometre Array, which is a huge research radio telescope being developed by 20 countries.
