NZ Bioprocessing Forum

Sponsored by the BioProcessing Network (BPN) and the Bioeconomy Science Institute, the NZ Bioprocessing Forum 2026 will showcase recent advances in bioprocessing in Aotearoa New Zealand, including fermentation, scale-up, and downstream processing.

We welcome researchers, developers, and investors working with fermentation and biotechnology purification processes, as well as those interested in bioprocessing infrastructure.

The Bioprocessing Forum will take place the day before and at the same location as the BPA Sustainable Solutions Symposium, allowing attendees to easily attend both events. The Sustainable Solutions Symposium will showcase how businesses are transforming untapped resources into sustainable, profitable opportunities. The two events will provide attendees with the unique opportunity to experience a wide perspective on biotechnology in New Zealand.

The below is subject to change and we will continue to update as we get closer to the event.

08:30 

Registration

09:00

Presentation of BPN (Andy Herbert), Bioeconomy Science Institute facilities and latest on GeneTech bill (Alec Foster)

Engineering biology for new products (Emily Parker - Bontia Bio/VUW)

Bioprocess development and scale up of CO2+CH4 from geothermal waste gases to biofeedstock (Andy Blair and Andrew Mitchelmore - Upflow)

10:00 

Morning tea and socialising

10:30

Bioprocess development and scale up of:

• Fungal protein from dairy waste stream (Maya Tangestani - Mara Bio)

• Antimicrobial bioplastics nanobeads (Eric Altermann - Massey University)

Producing dairy proteins in single cell yeast (Irina Miller - Daisy Lab)

Biocell’s fermentation and bioprocessing capabilities (Nidish Nair - Biocell Corporation)
Alpha Group's fermentation and bioprocessing capabilities (Niki Wang - Alpha Group)

12:00 

Buffet lunch and socialising

13:30

Roundtable on Bioprocessing capabilities in NZ (Chaired by Andy Herbert - BPN; Travis Glare - BioSouth; Alec Foster - Bioeconomy Science Institute, BioFactory; Daniel Mee - Callaghan Innovation)

14:30 

Afternoon tea and socialising

15:00

Tour of Biotech labs at Bioeconomy Science Institute Rotorua campus

17:00 

Future and closing at Te Whare Nui o Tuteata with nibbles (Florian Graichen - Bioeconomy Science Institute)