AUT Ventures

Seeing some results from the recent YES Regional Awards gave us a boost in confidence for the future of innovation in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) programme is a wonderful way for rangatahi to explore what it takes to grow their business skills and innovative thinking, empowering them to step up as the next generation of business leaders. We're excited about who may become future #AUTuni students and the kind of positive global impact we can achieve together. #YES #youngenterprisescheme #regionalawards #futureleaders #futureresearchers #futureentrepreneurs # https://lnkd.in/g9asuJF7

✨ Whakamihi / Congratulations to the KiwiNet Awards 2024 Winners ✨ We’re incredibly proud of Dr Jack Chen from Spherelose and Dr Abi Thampi from AUT Ventures, who were named finalists at last night’s KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards. While we didn’t win this time, the recognition of their work reinforces the exciting progress in research commercialisation across Aotearoa. It’s an incredible privilege to be part of a community where innovation thrives and we support each other in bringing groundbreaking ideas to life. As was said on the night, we’re turning bold ideas from “what if” into “what is,” and that’s a win in itself. A massive "nga mihi nui / thank you" to everyone at KiwiNet who worked so hard behind the scenes and the generous sponsors who made the Awards possible. #celebration #commercialisation #awards #innovation #research #disruptors #breakthroughs #risingstars #watchthisspace #whatif #whatis #AUTuni #curiosityapplied #autventures

🚀 Celebrating Excellence in Innovation! 🚀 We're thrilled to share that Dr. Abi Thampi and Dr. Jack Chen have been announced as finalists for the 2024 KiwiNet Awards! Abi is a finalist in the KCA - Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia Ltd Commercialisation Rising Star Award category, recognizing his outstanding contributions and leadership in advancing research commercialisation. Abi’s efforts to foster innovation and build strong industry connections are helping shape a brighter future for New Zealand’s science and innovation sector. Jack is a finalist for the Sprout Agritech Breakthrough Innovator Award for his pioneering work with Spherelose in developing sustainable surfactants. Jack’s innovation is transformative and crucial in driving sustainable practices and creating positive environmental impact. The KiwiNet Awards highlight the incredible achievements of those turning scientific discoveries into real-world solutions that benefit our communities and economy. We are incredibly proud of Abi and Jack for their dedication, vision, and hard work! Please join us in celebrating their achievements and wishing them the best of luck at the awards in October. Read about the Awards and Finalists here: https://lnkd.in/gGQQzhQm

🫧 A World First: AUT PhD Student’s Nanoparticle Discovery 🫧 Pursuing a PhD at #AUTuni is a transformative journey fostering academic and personal growth. With innovative supervisors like Dr. Jack Chen, students can excel in research. One remarkable student is Dr. Andres Tiban Anrango, who developed novel cellulose-based nanoparticles during his PhD. Andres was the first to create cellulose nanoparticles with tuneable amphiphilicity—particles that can adjust their affinity for water and oil. These biodegradable nanoparticles are efficient emulsifiers, which allow oil and water to mix and are used in products like cosmetics and food. Early results in this research attracted the attention of AUT Ventures. Seeing the significant market potential of cellulose-based emulsifiers made from wood pulp, AUT Ventures collaborated with Jack to explore applications, leading to the Spherelose® project. Jack secured funding for Andres’s PhD and later won MBIE Smart Ideas funding. Jack credits Andres for his role in the research: “Andres is a driven, intelligent young researcher who has tackled this scientific challenge with rigour and enthusiasm. His problem-solving skills and dedication to this project are the secret behind the success of Spherelose.” A major milestone was filing their first patent in 2021. While Andres has completed his PhD and works in Spain, he remains a co-founder and technical advisor supporting Dr. Mohinder Naiya, Dr. Victor Yim, PhD, and Josh Van Dongen as they refine the process and prepare samples for global chemical companies. A spinout company was founded and will soon seek venture capital investment. Andres encourages students interested in commercialisation: "The experience offers the opportunity to transform ideas or lab work into tangible products. This journey pushes you out of your comfort zone, helping you acquire new, in-demand skills. It expands your network, creating new opportunities and easing the transition into post-academic careers." Hannah Buckley, Head of the School of Science, believes Andres’ experience showcases AUT’s reputation for innovation and real-world impact: “What Jack Chen and Andres Tiban have accomplished through a commercialisation lens is incredible. Spherelose® is disruptive chemtech at its finest, and exactly what we want AUT to be known for.” AUT Ventures is dedicated to bridging the gap between university research and real-world impact. Andres’ journey with Spherelose® exemplifies how we support students in turning innovative ideas into impactful solutions. Venture Director Chris Hill praises the project: “Jack and Andres’ journey from research to real-world application is a testament to their hard work and determination. They actively sought industry engagement and outside feedback early in their journey, leading them to pivot toward the product we now know as Spherelose®. It’s fantastic to work with such pioneering scientists and help them generate real-world impact from their work.”

ICYMI: Auckland University of Technology hosts an annual #ResearchWeek #TeWikiRangahau (9 to 13 September) and this year it's focusing on partnerships for impact. As New Zealand's only university of technology, AUT conducts research with real-world, practical impacts. To achieve those impacts, we often partner with collaborators in industry, not-for-profits, local iwi, government, and community groups. AUT Ventures is proud to be included in the Research Week programme with several events aimed at showing how we can work together to change the world, for the better. Like this one...

🔬Breaking Down Barriers to Auckland University of Technology Research and Expertise🔬 They say, "knowledge is power," but its true value comes from sharing it effectively. When Ed Maunder, Head of Postgraduate for the School of Sport & Recreation, was approached by an overseas law firm for technical advice, he was eager to help but concerned about managing the paperwork and personal liability. Fortunately, Ed was encouraged to consult with Thomas Davidson, the Contracts Manager at AUT Ventures. "From the moment I reached out to Tom, it was clear that consulting through AUT Ventures was simple," Ed explains. "Tom handled everything—negotiating fees, finalising contracts, and managing invoices. Tom's support allowed me to focus on the project, confident that I had backup." AUT Ventures offers streamlined services that encourage staff like Ed to share their expertise beyond the university while taking care of any tax and liability issues. This enhances their academic experience and supports Ed’s belief that "engaging with industry makes for a better academic." AUT's updated External Research and Consulting Contracts Policy & Procedures reaffirm AUT’s commitment to staff sharing their expertise with businesses, government and non-profits.   Catherine Redmond, the Director of the University Research Office is keen to clarify why the update is so significant, “[the Policy] is designed to facilitate externally funded research and consulting arrangements.  This kind of funding enables AUT to carry out more ambitious, resource-intensive projects, empowering our researchers to advance knowledge and innovation and make a real difference in society." Each year AUT Ventures manages over $1 million in external consulting work and undertakes more than 80 consulting projects delivered by AUT staff to more than 50 organisations globally. This Policy empowers AUT staff to engage with industry, utilising their research and expertise to secure external funding and enhance both their own and the University's reputation and rankings. Mark Orams, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research is a champion for AUT research, “The AUT story is filled with examples of our people impacting the real world through sharing our knowledge, whether that be through research projects or consulting with industry. We are committed to continue building on our foundation of transformation by empowering our academic community to embrace opportunities to be disruptors and trailblazers. By raising awareness of what’s possible through [the Policy], I hope to see even more impact being made by AUT discoveries and disclosures.” #AUTuni #sharingknowledge #research #expertise #consulting #funding #findanexpert #technicaladvice #curiosityapplied #autventures

Most of the AUT Ventures team plan to attend the Nexus Summit in October. Will we see you there? https://lnkd.in/gAFbCUcW #event #nexussummit #futureleaders #commercialisation #gettingoutofthebuilding #curiosityapplied #autventures

ICYMI: Are any #AUTuni staff interested in becoming an expert witness? We're hosting an online panel discussion with people who know what it takes to offer your technical advice and expertise to industry and how to get started. Panellists include: - Barrister, Bronwyn McKinlay - Emeritus Professor John Raine - Contracts Manager, Thomas Davidson The webinar will be facilitated by AUT Ventures Chief Executive, Michael Fielding. 📅 When: 29 August 🕒 Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM 📍 Where: Online To find out more and register your place, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gEm39cUp #howto #consulting #expertwitness #advice #support #expertise #webinar #paneldiscussion #upcomingevent #curiosityapplied #autventures

Do you ever feel like you're doing exactly what you're meant to do? This week, the AUT Ventures team supported the AUT Startup Club as they launched their Vision to Venture event series, designed to inspire #AUTuni students to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. It was gratifying to see so many people united by their curiosity for innovation and eagerness to learn from those currently blazing the trail in commercialisation and entrepreneurship. A massive ngā mihi nui (thank you) to Sandra Grau-Bartual from RespirAq, Jacob Smith from Steaddi, and Chris Hill for sharing your knowledge and experience. #campuslife #studentlife #support #startupclub #visiontoventure #eventseries #inspiringinnovation #commercialisation #entrepreneurship #curiosityapplied #autventures

Here at AUT Ventures "get out of the building" is a mantra we try to live by, and Venture Manager Cindy Luo has taken this to a whole new level. Cindy is currently on a part-time secondment with Bridgewest Group, arranged through KiwiNet. This role has provided her with an invaluable chance to gain insight into the venture capital landscape and the Deep Tech Incubator program. She has been able to immerse herself in the space by participating in meetings with portfolio companies and contributing to the evaluation of potential opportunities for the pipeline. Cindy is enthusiastic about the remainder of her time at Bridgewest.   A heartfelt thank you to KiwiNet for facilitating this initiative, and to Bridgewest for the opportunity. #learninganddevelopment #secondment #indudstryinsight #experience #deeptech #team #curiosityapplied #autventures