Bioeconomy Science Institute
The Bioeconomy Science Institute is a unified science institute to drive innovation and commercial outcomes in the bioeconomy, using research and technology to support enduring economic growth and resilience, a healthy environment and beneficial social outcomes.
Our new organisation brings together New Zealand’s four leading bioeconomy research institutes into one. Together, our world-class science can do more to advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology and manufacturing; protect and enhance ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and develop new bio-based technologies and products.
The Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion into a single organisation.
We formed on 1 July 2025, building on 100 years of history to make a difference to the future.
While we build the Bioeconomy Science Institute, we are committed to ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality science and commercialisation activities through our temporary Group structure.
AgResearch delivers research to enhance the value, productivity and profitability of pastoral, agri-food, and agri-technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes.
Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research drives innovation in management of terrestrial biodiversity and land resources to protect and enhance the terrestrial environment and grow prosperity.
Plant & Food Research enhances the value and productivity of horticultural, arable, seafood and food and beverage industries to contribute to economic growth and the environmental and social prosperity.
Scion drives innovation and growth from forestry, wood product and wood-derived materials and other biomaterial sectors, to create economic value and contribute to beneficial environmental and social outcomes.
We are here to support the growth and resilience of the bioeconomy in New Zealand and beyond. We translate science into real-world outcomes, impact and commercial success.
Opportunities
Bioeconomy Science Institute: Map & Zap® - AI driven early growth stage weed identification and laser-zapping solution
Seeking interest / Seeking investment / Seeking partners
Opportunity description
Industry challenge
Large companies such as Bayer are incurring significant costs in legal claims and provisions related to the use of Glyphosate (USD16 billion has been set aside). Weeds are estimated to cost New Zealand agriculture and forestry...
The Bioeconomy Science Institute: Bioactive molecules as antimicrobial products - research partnership
Research partner
Opportunity description
Industry challenge:
The Bioeconomy Science Institute is currently conducting trial validation using bioactive compounds to reduce incidences of bovine mastitis and facial eczema in animals. These problems can significantly affect animal productivity and therefore export revenue.
Parallel to...
Bioeconomy Science Institute: Clarospec® - AI meat quality solution for processing plant
Licensing / Seeking partners
Opportunity description
Industry challenge:
Globally consumers are demanding greater quality and nutrition from protein. This is driven by the need for healthier diets, food safety and traceability. Traditionally, meat quality is determined subjectively through manual human inspection. This has a...
Rapid Dry Matter (RDM) - Fast, accurate pulp dry matter measurement for fruit quality assessment
Seeking partners