2024 Awards Winners
The KiwiNet Awards celebrate heroes in research commercialisation — those individuals and organisations whose best practice approach is changing the innovation landscape in New Zealand. We congratulate the 2024 winners!
Momentum Student Entrepreneur Award
This award recognises a highly motivated university student who looks beyond the science and sees the prize - how their idea can change the world. The student is making outstanding contributions to business innovation or has created innovative businesses in New Zealand through technology licencing, start-up creation or by providing expertise to support business innovation.
Emma Arvidson: Teiny / University of Canterbury
High protein oat milk powder – small changes, big impact
Emma Arvidson is a chemical formulation design specialist, currently pursuing her master's in product innovation at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC).
For her capstone project, to demonstrate knowledge and expertise for her thesis, Emma developed a high-protein oat milk powder that bridges the gap between the nutritional benefits of dairy and the sustainability of oats. Recognizing the potential of her creation, Emma co-founded a startup to bring this innovative product to market.
Under her leadership, the company has gained significant traction. They have successfully secured $20,000 KiwiNet PreSeed Accelerator Funding (PSAF) and $5,000 funding from the King's Trust He Kākano, a seed fund for young entrepreneurs aged 17-30 years. They were also a finalist in this year’s Foodstuffs Emerging Supplier Competition. In September 2024, Teiny secured investment from The Climate VC Fund (CVCF), the largest investor in its early-stage round to bring them to market, with further support from friends and family. These achievements highlight both the technical innovation and the market potential of their product.
Emma and her co-founder also earned the People's Choice and Impact Award at the UC Summer Start-Up, further validating their concept and approach. This reflects the strong resonance their product has with both consumers and industry experts, showcasing its potential for broad market appeal.
Emma's expertise in chemical formulation design has been instrumental in overcoming industry challenges, setting her product apart in a competitive market. Her strategic vision and commitment to sustainability resonate with consumers who value nutrition, convenience, and environmental responsibility.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavours, Emma was recently selected for the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, reflecting her leadership potential and her dedication to making a broader impact. Her journey from concept to commercialisation showcases her ability to translate scientific innovation into viable business opportunities, positioning her as a rising star in the food innovation sector.
Sprout Agritech Breakthrough Innovator Award
This award recognises an upcoming entrepreneurial researcher who is making outstanding contributions to research commercialisation in New Zealand through technology licencing, start-up creation or commercial partnerships leading to the creation of new products and/or services from publicly-funded research.
Emily McIsaac, Daisy Lab / Massey University
Making dairy proteins – without the cows
Auckland scientist and entrepreneur Emily McIsaac is leading a dairy revolution with her pioneering work in producing milk proteins without using cows.
As Chief Operations Officer and co-founder of foodtech startup Daisy Lab, Emily is driving the commercialisation of her Master’s thesis research from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, which focuses on producing bovine milk proteins using microorganisms.
This process, called precision fermentation, creates dairy-identical proteins that replicate the taste and texture of cow’s milk. This innovative technology significantly reduces the environmental impact of dairy, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 96%, water use by 97% and land use by 99%. In addition, waste streams are used as a feedstock for the methane-free milk.
Emily’s expertise in molecular biology has been key in developing new methods to produce key dairy proteins like casein, lactoferrin and beta-lactoglobulin, resulting in a patented technology that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional dairy.
Emily's efforts extend beyond the lab. With a keen interest in business, she has developed her skills in operations and finance to navigate the commercialisation of her research. As Daisy Lab’s COO, she provides strategic and operational guidance and has built strong relationships with private sector stakeholders to help the company rapidly scale its operations.
In March 2023, Daisy Lab closed a $1.5 million seed round to scale up its microbial whey protein production to support its development of proteins using precision fermentation.
Emily is also dedicated to fostering innovation through collaboration. She works with research institutes across New Zealand on joint research projects and resource sharing, promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and knowledge exchange. Through her leadership and collaborative spirit, Emily is transforming scientific discoveries into practical solutions that will continue to drive technological and economic growth in New Zealand.
BNZ Researcher Entrepreneur Award
This award recognises an experienced entrepreneurial researcher who consistently delivers real world impact from their research.
Distinguished Professor Geoff Chase - University of Canterbury
Engineering better medicine and a more resilient New Zealand.
Distinguished Professor Geoff Chase is a serial innovator disguised as a research-focused academic.
A mechanical engineering expert at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), Geoff is renowned for his applied research in high-tech automation solutions that address critical challenges in healthcare and earthquake engineering. His pioneering work ranges from intensive care medicine for babies to breast cancer screening, low-cost medical devices and seismic engineering.
Geoff’s commitment to both innovation and commercialisation is evident in the entrepreneurial spirit he has fostered within his research team. To date, he has inspired UC students to co-lead five spinout companies, with two more in development. Spinouts include Boundary Lifesciences and Intersection Lifesciences, which merged to become breast cancer screening technology company Tiro Medical, seismic control device company 2.2g-Force, and diabetes care company Tautoko Technology.
His protocols for glycemic (blood sugar) control in intensive care settings for adults and pre-term infants, based on his physiological modelling of human metabolism, are now standard clinical practice in several ICUs and NICUs in New Zealand, Hungary, Belgium, Malaysia, and beyond. The SPRINT and STAR protocols provide a novel ‘risk-based’ insulin dosing methodology that is unique in the world to improve patient safety and outcomes. The innovation has already saved hundreds of lives and millions of dollars for healthcare providers.
Additionally, his seismic devices have been deployed in two Christchurch buildings and a nine-storey social housing project in San Francisco, USA. The innovative quake damping devices are designed to absorb energy in a big earthquake and prevent building damage.
A named inventor on 12 patent families (with a total of 20 patents granted), Geoff has received numerous accolades for his contributions to medical technology and seismic engineering, including the Royal Society MacDiarmid Medal. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his clinical engagement and industry insight, has significantly amplified the societal and economic impact of his work.
Geoff's research not only advances critical technologies, but also nurtures and inspires a new generation of entrepreneurial researchers. By empowering young innovators to lead projects from inception to commercial success, he is shaping a future where New Zealand continues to benefit from a dynamic pipeline of talent dedicated to addressing global challenges through cutting-edge solutions.
KCA Commercialisation Rising Star Award
This award recognises a developing commercialisation professional who is making valuable contributions to the creation of excellent commercialisation outcomes from publicly-funded research.
Ben Pearson - UniServices
Building connections and collaboration for exceptional outcomes
Ben Pearson is a powerhouse of commercialisation at Auckland UniServices, renowned for his ability to cultivate and leverage deep relationships with diverse stakeholders, including staff, students, faculty, industry partners, and investors. His creative and strategic approach has led to a substantial increase in idea disclosures and the successful launch of numerous ventures.
In 2023 alone, Ben's expertise was instrumental in the formation of six new companies—Nurox Hydrothermal, developing hazardous waste disposal technology; GaiaTech, a novel technology to capture waste anaesthetic gases; HEIA, identifying online threats and hate speech with data analytics; PhaseFoam, a revolutionary heat-absorbing material for the food cold chain and building industries; PlatformPi, a collaborative education system that bridges the gap between students, tertiary providers and the technology industry; and Frond Space Systems, offering deployable space technology and mission delivery solutions.
He adeptly guided the company founders through the startup journey, negotiating licences and key agreements, and facilitating crucial connections with funding sources. On top of this, Ben facilitated investment into three existing portfolio companies and conducted due diligence on 25 new ideas.
Ben has extensive contract and negotiating expertise, honed during his previous role as a Senior Contracts Manager at UniServices, in which he contracted over $50 million in research. His ability to seek win-win outcomes, even in challenging negotiations, and his creative problem-solving skills have earned him high praise from researchers, inventors, licensees and investors alike.
Ben’s successful track record is testament to his exceptional relationship skills, expert technical knowledge and innovative thinking. His contributions reflect a commitment to commercialising clever Kiwi science and finding effective solutions for mutually beneficial outcomes.
PwC Breakthrough Project Award
The Breakthrough Project Award is awarded to a project that has recently achieved spin-out, license deal, or major capital raise, and demonstrates best practice commercialisation of publicly funded research.
ZealaFoam®
AgResearch / Plant & Food Research / Scion
Breaking the mould with sustainable plant-based polystyrene replacement
Rotorua-based ZealaFoam® is setting a new standard in sustainable packaging with its innovative, 100% plant-based alternative to polystyrene. ZealaFoam mirrors the strength, lightness and insulative properties of traditional polystyrene – but is far kinder to the environment.
Using patented technology, ZealaFoam is made from Polylactic Acid (PLA) derived from plants such as maize and cassava. The raw material is not only more sustainably manufactured than polystyrene but also industrially compostable, making it more eco-friendly throughout its lifecycle.
Its journey began with the Biopolymer Network (BPN), a joint venture between AgResearch, Plant & Food Research and Scion focused on developing bio-based materials, with ZealaFoam emerging as the most commercially promising.
A key advantage of ZealaFoam is its ability to be produced using existing polystyrene equipment, avoiding the need for expensive new moulding infrastructure. Initial trials, supported by KiwiNet funding, validated its performance and feasibility on standard machinery.
Polystyrene, once the darling of the plastics revolution due to its cheap, lightweight, strong and protective attributes, has grown to a USD$30 billion per annum global industry.
ZealaFoam’s first commercial product on the market is EcoBeans, a sustainable beanbag fill available in New Zealand and Australia. The global beanbag fill market alone estimated to reach USD$882 million by 2025. Launching EcoBeans has paved the way for the broader deployment of its main product focus, moulded ZealaFoam. The company is now poised to enter the USD $3.6 billion cold chain packaging market, with plans to roll out its fish boxes in 2024.
Supported by recent investment and a robust patent portfolio, ZealaFoam is primed to meet the rising global demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Its licensee model ensures the technology ownership remains in New Zealand, showcasing Kiwi ingenuity while opening doors to international revenue streams.
AJ Park Commercialisation Impact Award
The commercialisation impact award celebrates a project delivering outstanding innovation performance and generating significant impact for New Zealand, whether environmental, social, job creation, or direct or indirect impact on export earnings.
Toku Eyes and University of Auckland
Medtech AI: Using the eye as a window to our health
Imagine if your next eye exam could save your life. Toku Eyes’ transformative medical technology could do just that, using artificial intelligence to transform routine eye exams into powerful early detection tools for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Originating from groundbreaking research at the Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Toku’s AI technology was initially designed to identify retinal diseases but revealed an unexpected capability: detecting underlying conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide.
Toku's innovative technology analyses retinal scans during regular eye exams, offering a non-invasive and cost-effective method for early detection of chronic diseases. The platform empowers healthcare providers to identify potential health risks before symptoms appear, allowing for timely intervention and potentially life-saving treatments. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) over 80% of high-risk people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are diagnosed when it’s too late. It estimates USD$175 billion in savings (from an annual cost of $555 billion) from a reduction in CVD events by implementing lifestyle changes.
Toku was founded by Ehsan Vaghefi, now an associate professor of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence in Optometry and Ophthalmology at the University of Auckland, and Dr David Squirrell. Since its spin-out in 2019, Toku has raised more than USD$11 million in venture capital funding. Initially invested in by the University of Auckland Inventors’ Fund through UniServices, Toku is now backed by the US’ largest ophthalmic device manufacturer (TOPCON) and largest optometric retailer (NVI).
Toku’s focus on building strategic partnerships with industry leaders in the US has unlocked access to a vast network of 2,000 eye care clinics across the US, significantly expanding Toku’s reach and impact. With a move to San Diego in 2023, Toku is positioned closer to key industry partners and is integrating its technology into eye clinics and primary care settings.
Today, Toku Eyes' AI platform is being used in many clinics across the US, UAE, Australia and New Zealand. The company’s commitment to preventative healthcare and continuous improvement, including plans for integration with electronic health records, will ensure it remains at the forefront of AI-powered healthcare solutions.
Commercialisation Icon Award
This is KiwiNet’s highest honour given to a quintessential champion of New Zealand’s research commercialisation community. This individual has a high level of aspiration for research commercialisation as a catalyst to deliver prosperity for all. This is demonstrated by their unwavering commitment to substantially advancing the cause and activity of commercialisation of publicly funded research within New Zealand. Their body of work has made an outstanding impact on the research commercialisation ecosystem.
Melissa Yiannoutsos
Booster NZ
A transformative leader in New Zealand’s science and commercialisation ecosystem.
Melissa Yiannoutsos has been a transformative leader in New Zealand’s science and commercialisation ecosystem for over 20 years. A driving force in deep tech, she has helped both people and companies thrive—as a founder, leader, mentor, commercialisation professional, investor and director.
From her pivotal role in the early days of New Zealand’s angel investment community to her leadership in establishing the Booster Innovation Fund, Melissa has been instrumental in bridging the gap between investors and innovators. The NZX-listed Booster Innovation Fund allows Booster NZ’s KiwiSaver clients and the broader New Zealand community to back ambitious Kiwi startups – and is helping spotlight NZ’s next generation of great companies.
A dedicated mentor, she has guided numerous researcher-entrepreneurs and business leaders, amplifying her impact across the ecosystem, while her generosity and collaborative spirit have become hallmarks of her approach.
As the driving force behind additions to the Booster Innovation Fund portfolio, she has championed investments in multiple biotech start-ups, developing medical, healthcare and life science solutions. In March 2024, Melissa was inducted into the BioTechNZ Hall of Fame to recognise her significant contributions to New Zealand’s biotech sector over the years.
Through her leadership, investment and governance, Melissa has played a vital role in taking groundbreaking science from the lab to the world—and she’s not done yet! She remains a tireless champion for commercialisation, ensuring that New Zealand remains at the forefront of global innovation.
