An organisation that provides access to combined science capabilities and technical facilities of national research providers like Nelson’s Plant & Food Research, held its inaugural symposium at the Beachside Conference and Events Centre on 10 April.
“I think that we’re absolutely delighted about the turnout… and Nelson is a wonderful place to host,” BPA general manager Dr Nicky Solomon says.
The Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA) pioneers sustainable solutions, supporting innovative businesses to harness the untapped potential of their underutilised bioresources to create high-value products and processes.
It also provides funding support from MBIE for appropriate projects that utilise the expertise of its research partners.
Nicky says around 110 people from across the motu attended including research and development pundits, industry leaders, government agencies, start-ups, incubators, and seed funders to explore cutting-edge solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
Speakers, including New Zealand King Salmon research and development manager Julien Stevens, energised the audience with stories about how their companies had shifted the dial by working with the BPA.
“[We’re hoping the outcomes will be] awareness raising about the BPA, how it works, what we can offer, and hope for more businesses to know how to approach us and how to benefit from what we do,” Nicky says.
