About Us

Vision:
A sovereign Aotearoa where the wealth of our living systems is understood, protected, and amplified through ethical biocoding and regenerative enterprise.

Mission:
Biocodes Aotearoa exists to map, code, and activate the genomic potential of Aotearoa’s ecosystems using environmental DNA (eDNA) and bioinformatics. We advance innovation, support conservation, and catalyse new economic opportunities aligned with the tikanga of care, reciprocity, and intergenerational wellbeing.

Our Work Is Rooted In:

  • Science and Sovereignty: Supporting a biodiscovery regime that reflects both the highest scientific standards and indigenous rights.

  • Innovation and Integrity: Building the bridge between biodiversity data and biotech with ethical design at every step.

  • Place and Purpose: Grounding our work in the biocultural uniqueness of Aotearoa—from highland to foreshore, forest to reef.

What We Do

1. eDNA Sampling and Sequencing
We conduct high-integrity environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments—partnering with local communities, researchers, and land stewards to map biodiversity at scale.

2. Bioinformatics and Biodiversity Intelligence
Using cutting-edge tools, we transform raw eDNA into rich biological datasets that illuminate species presence, ecosystem health, and evolutionary relationships. These insights feed open-access registries and applied R&D.

3. Ethical Bioprospecting Pathways
We prototype new access and benefit-sharing (ABS) mechanisms aligned with the Nagoya Protocol and kaupapa Māori. Our work ensures Aotearoa retains control and value over its genetic heritage.

4. Bridging to the Bioeconomy
We catalyse partnerships with biotechnology, conservation, agriculture, and health sectors—unlocking regenerative enterprise pathways powered by New Zealand’s biodiversity.

The Biocodes Difference

  • Place-Based
    We are rooted in Aotearoa. Our work reflects the land, waters, and communities we serve.

  • Open Science, Open Futures
    We support open-access genomic datasets and commons-based innovation to democratise biodiversity knowledge.

  • Ethical by Design
    From sampling to commercialisation, our protocols uphold sovereignty, integrity, and care for living systems.

  • Catalytic Partnerships
    We act as a bridge: from researchers to innovators, indigenous leaders to global markets.

Partners

We proudly work alongside:

  • Research institutions

  • Māori organisations and iwi/hapū

  • Conservation authorities

  • Biotech startups and deep tech investors

  • Open science platforms

  • Government agencies and policy leaders

Get Involved

For Researchers:
Partner with us to sequence new species, monitor ecosystem change, and contribute to a genomic knowledge base for the future.

For Land Stewards & Iwi:
Explore how Biocodes Aotearoa can support place-based biodiversity monitoring, data sovereignty, and long-term protection strategies.

For Innovators & Investors:
Join us in translating biodiversity intelligence into the bioeconomy—where nature and innovation co-create value.

→ Let’s Talk