The world's largest technology park developer, Tus-Holdings, is due to explore investment opportunities in New Zealand aimed at enhancing the country's scientific research infrastructure and fostering business growth through innovations in the bioscience, agritech, and healthcare sectors.
Tus-Holdings, a Chinese company, manages international assets of $48 billion and operates 300 start-up incubators within 70 science parks in 100 cities globally. Over the past 30 years, the firm has consistently fostered partnerships with over 200 tertiary education institutions, including Cambridge University, to facilitate the expansion of thousands of enterprises.
In light of a newly signed memorandum of understanding by the firm and New Zealand's former ambassador to China, Tony Browne, in his current position as Chairman of the Council of Next Federation, a substantial investment could lead to a local incubation facility dedicated to helping New Zealand's food, health and technology firms access the Chinese market.
As part of the agreement, Tus-Holdings will explore joint construction of science and technology industrial parks in New Zealand, Australia, and China to encourage and commercialise innovation.
"If established, the development of a new technology park similar to the Cambridge University facility could present a significant opportunity for the growth of New Zealand's science and tech sectors," states Browne.
The primary focus of the company, according to Browne, encompasses the provision of facilities conducive to scientific research and the commercialisation of such research. He further says that the prospective benefits for New Zealand comprise new research facilities, bolstered international connections, and the possibilities for start-ups and other firms to profit from networks and guidance in evolving and expanding science-based initiatives.
Tus-Holdings' incubation and funding ecosystem has facilitated the growth of thousands of budding tech companies, including 94 listed firms, helping them transition from the start-up phase to their maximum potential.
Browne continues: "The potential launch of a science and technology park in New Zealand, similar to those established in countries such as the UK, the US, and Switzerland, is designed to provide key investment to help Kiwi firms commercialise their ideas and build sufficient scale to access key off-shore markets."
TusPark Cambridge is a successful example of such a facility. It has a floor area of 40,000 square metres and represents the most significant development project and the first science park partnership in the 472-year history of the British university. The facility has already attracted a diverse range of organisations, including biotechnology, software and gaming companies.
A delegation from Tus-Holdings, led by the executive vice president Chen Hongbo, who also serves as the president of the Spanish-headquartered International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, will arrive in New Zealand this month in connection with an upcoming global trade summit in Auckland.
The event, High 5 New Zealand International Health Industry Summit, is set to act as a promotional platform for the country's leading healthcare organisations and food exporters, allowing interaction with foreign government representatives and buyers from countries with a combined population of over 1.6 billion.
The event will also see attendance from government agencies around Asia, which play pivotal roles in facilitating trade with New Zealand businesses. William Zhao, Former CEO of Yashili Dairy Plant in Waikato and current Executive Chairperson of Next Federation, called the event a golden opportunity for Kiwi exporters to network with key international decision-makers on home ground.