AUT Ventures

👟AUT-Designed Woo-Laces Now On Sale👟 Forget boring shoelaces - meet the Woo-lace. Created by #AUTuni Bachelor of Design student Jacob Smith, the award-winning Woo-lace makes an ideal stocking filler. The laces which won Jacob a Silver Best Award recently, are stylish, washable, good for the planet, and don’t come undone so you won’t trip up - as seen here modeled by Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa. They’re just $15.99 a pair and you can buy yours at www.steaddi.co.nz, selected gift shops, and the AUT on-campus store. Made from NZ strong wool, this sustainable, durable lace is dyed with vegetable skins and comes in four colours. And even the aglets (those little tubes at the end of a lace) are made from biodegradable material. A self-confessed sneaker head, Jacob, who majored in Industrial Design, developed the laces in AUT’s Strong Wool Studio paper. Students design a product using strong wool, a locally-produced fibre, traditionally used in carpets, rugs and upholstery, that often goes to waste due to its low market price compared to soft wools like merino. “The laces are naturally durable, washable, odour-resistant, plus they have the added advantage of not coming untied like synthetic laces tend to, so you probably won’t want to throw them out anyway,” he says. Made from strong wool from Palliser Ridge Farm in the Wairarapa, the Woo-laces are dyed different colours using food waste like onion, cabbage, lettuce, avocado skins and coffee grounds. AUT School of Art & Design’s Strong Wool Studio paper is run by Dr Jyoti Kalyanji and Daniel Collings and is supported by partners from the New Zealand wool industry, including Palliser Ridge Farm. Tom McLeod and Abi Thampi from the Ventures team have supported the commercialisation of the Woo-lace. Jacob also plans to use his design skills to create other strong wool products including clothing, belts, and, sticking with footwear, those inside backs of shoes that often wear out. #startup #studententrepreneur #innovation #creativedesigntechnology #strongwool #woolace #nzwool #giftideas #sustainability #shoplocal #brightideas #commercialisation #discover #explore #develop #curiosityapplied #autventures

It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Hon. Nikki Kaye, a valued member of the AUT Ventures Board. Nikki’s remarkable contributions to AUT Ventures since joining the Board in April 2021 reflected her unwavering passion and lifelong commitment to improving Aotearoa New Zealand for the people who call it home. Nikki’s dedication to education and the wellbeing of New Zealand’s youth has been evident in every contribution she has made to our work. Her passion for creating opportunities, especially for our rangatahi (young people), has inspired our team to aim higher and think more creatively about how we can deliver impact. Drawing on her extensive experience in public service and leadership, Nikki shared invaluable perspectives that helped to shape and elevate the AUT Ventures offering. Her ability to see the bigger picture while championing practical solutions has left a lasting mark on our approach to empowering innovators and entrepreneurs. We thank Nikki for her dedication, wisdom, and unwavering belief in people's potential to create meaningful change. It has been an honour to work alongside her, and her contributions will continue to resonate in our work for years to come. Michael Fielding | Damon Salesa | Mark Orams | Ross Peat | Rick Ellis

🎯 Helping Students Explore Entrepreneurship 🎯 #AUTuni has a strong legacy of challenging norms, with many graduates leading change in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond, showing that innovation and entrepreneurship drive real-world impact. AUT’s future entrepreneurs can take their first steps toward success through key initiatives like the Idea2Impact Programme and Vision to Venture event series. 💡Idea2Impact Programme The new six-week Idea2Impact programme, launched in partnership with Sabrina Nagel at Ignite Innovation, offers a pathway for postgrad students to commercialise research. Participants gain valuable skills to transform ideas into market-ready solutions. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with students noting its holistic approach and a waitlist has already been started for the Idea2Impact 2025 cohort(s). Mark Orams, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, states, “Idea2Impact is a testament to AUT’s commitment to not only fostering academic excellence but also enabling our students to take their ideas beyond academia. This initiative will provide them with the tools, knowledge, and support to turn their research into practical, impactful solutions that can make a real difference in the world.” 💡Vision to Venture Event Series The Vision to Venture series, in collaboration with the AUT Startup Club, has connected students with inspiring startup founders, including AUT alumni like Saba Samiei 🦄, Sandra Grau-Bartual, and current design student Jacob Smith. Industry experts like Jardin Green and Richard Liew also shared insights. The series concluded with a pitching event where students could pitch their ideas to industry leaders, the vibe was inspirational and aspirational, with participants gaining firsthand experience of what it takes to bring an idea to life. 💡Drop-in Clinics For informal guidance, AUT has introduced Drop-in Clinics for students seeking advice on commercialisation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It doesn't matter if students are exploring a new idea or looking for specific guidance, the clinic is a welcoming space where they can casually chat with experts. 💡Collaborative Partnerships AUT’s collaboration with partners like NZ Entrepreneur Magazine enhances support for aspiring entrepreneurs. Through a partnership, students can access Startup NZ’s initial online sessions for free, with AUT Ventures offering sponsorship for further sessions. These initiatives and resources align with AUT’s ambition to be a hub of entrepreneurial activity, empowering students and staff to transform bold ideas into meaningful change. #entrepreneurship #innovation #commercialisation #events #workshops #networking #partnerships #connections #inspiration #aspiration #Idea2Impact #VisiontoVenture #discover #explore #develop #curiosityapplied #autventures

Need some inspiration for the upcoming gift-giving season? The talented Culinary Arts students from #AUTuni have been busy little elves creating an artisan Christmas Gift Box filled with handmade Christmas-themed goodies. Items include chocolate dipped cranberry and pistachio biscotti, grapefruit and elderflower cordial - perfect for summer drinkies, gingerbread cookies, and Callebaut chocolate Rocky Road with hokey pokey, pistachios and Turkish delight, and more! The box showcases AUT's handmade Soloman Island bean-to-bar 50% milk chocolate, presented in a bespoke printed design by Prang Ittikul, one of our talented Master of Gastronomy students. What's not to love?! Boxes are strictly limited and sold on a first-in, first-served basis at $130 per box. 📍Where: Piko at the City Campus 📍When: 10am to 12pm on 1 Nov, 5 Nov, 5, Nov, and 7 Nov (or until sold out) #tistheseason #inspiration #giftideas #culinaryarts #students #artisan #Piko #sharingiscaring #firstinfirstserved #AUTventures

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