Heard about an interesting fund to support New Zealand and Australian Biotechnology businesses today...

Apparently this fund has been around since 2003, according to FRST http://www.med.govt.nz/templates/Page____27632.aspx

So I'm at a loss to explain why I only came to find out about it today!....ermmm.

Anyway - NZTE says "if you run a biotechnology business and would like to open up new international markets by collaborating with an Australian counterpart, you may be eligible for funding from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)." And...

NZTE’s Australia New Zealand Biotechnology Partnership Fund (ANZBPF) is designed to support and speed up trans-Tasman collaborations in biotechnology, thereby giving companies in both countries better access to global opportunities.

Eligible New Zealand biotechnology companies can apply for four different types of funding through the ANZBPF, detailed below.

1. Bio-Market Development
2. People and Skills Development
3. Collaborative Trans-Tasman Projects (currently closed)
4. Market Acceptance Projects (currently closed)

Australian companies cannot apply for funding directly, but NZTE may be able to put them in touch with New Zealand companies seeking partners.

Looks worth considering, given the wider changes to other funding sources and grants like the Market Development Fund. More on those changes from NZTE due July 1st. But in the meantime, if you want more on the ANZBPF go here..http://www.nzte.govt.nz/anzbpf