Talks about ICT research from Victoria University academics were a highlight at the recent W2W ...

Deb Gilbertson, who teaches components of Dr Gideon Gouws’ Tech302 class, has been teaming up with Viclink to help students learn about technology from an end-user perspective, rather than theoretical-based science.

Viclink recently utilised its links with industry to help the School of Engineering and Computer Science showcase its finest talent to New Zealand businesses.

Karen Evans, a policy adviser for the new Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI), worked at Viclink on secondment to gain a first-hand understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in commercialising university research.

A quick summary of what’s new in Viclink’s world of innovation …

For the first time, Viclink has secured funding from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology’s (FRST) Pre-Seed Accelerator Fund. The $350,000 applied for and won will be used to help a number of Victoria University’s researchers to transform their research projects into worthwhile businesses.

A discovery by Victoria University chemistry alumni, Dr Troy Dougherty, has led to a project which could end up creating a number of advanced industries for New Zealand, providing exciting career opportunities for students and graduates along the way.

Professor Jim Johnston and his team from the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences have developed an exciting technology that could literally transform the geothermal power industry worldwide, help New Zealand reduce its carbon footprint, and deliver financial returns to the inventors and the University.

PhD student Jeremy Owen (from the School of Biological Sciences) has discovered an ingenious new tool that locates tiny ‘factories’ of bioactive chemicals hidden inside bacteria – the application of which will help researchers worldwide to find natural treatments for cancer and other diseases.

Employment opportunities for students can sometimes come early in the process of creating a start-up business, as post-grad student Helen Woolner will testify.