2024 Awards Judges

Cather Simpson
CEO of Orbis Diagnostics & Partner at Pacific Channel

Professor Cather Simpson is a tireless champion for commercialisation in New Zealand, passionate about helping researchers maximise the impact of their science.

A physics and chemistry professor at the University of Auckland, she combines academic and industry expertise to drive business innovation. Cather co-founded deep tech startups Engender, Luminoma and Orbis Diagnostics, where she currently serves as CEO. As a partner at Pacific Channel, she identifies and advances promising projects for investment.

Cather is an experienced judge, evaluating international awards such as the Catalyst Award and Prism Awards. Her various governance roles include deep tech startups, the Dodd-Walls Centre, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and SPIE. A Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi, she has received the Pickering Medal and multiple KiwiNet Awards.

Greg Sitters
Managing Partner at Matū Group

With over 40 years in business, Greg Sitters offers a wealth of experience spanning venture investment, executive management, corporate governance and deep tech startups.

As Managing Partner at investment fund Matū Group Limited, he channels his passion for investing in disruptive technologies that address some of the world’s major technical and scientific challenges.

Greg is also a co-founder of innovative startups Amaea, which specialises in molecular filtration solutions, and Mekonos, a medical device company out of research from the University of Canterbury.

Guy Royal
Director of Tuia Group

Guy Royal (Ngāti Raukawa, Parehauraki, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) is a seasoned commercial corporate lawyer with over 20 years’ experience advising public and private sector organisations across New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific.

His extensive leadership and governance roles span diverse sectors including technology, climate change, infrastructure and venture capital. Guy’s broad expertise includes joint ventures, corporate governance, private equity and inter-generational asset management.

In his current role as director of business consultancy Tuia Group, Guy specialises in the Māori commercial sector and is committed to advancing indigenous economic development to create lasting impact for future generations.

Olivia Ogilvie
CEO and co-founder of Opo Bio

Dr Olivia Ogilvie knows what it takes to drive an innovation from research to real-world impact. As the co-founder and CEO of Opo Bio, she leads an innovative startup developing lab-grown cells for ethically sourced cultivated meat.

With a background in biochemistry, Olivia has developed a passion for the commercialisation of Kiwi science. Her roles in Aotearoa’s commercialisation ecosystem include chairing the Canterbury Momentum investment committee, working as an analyst at Matū Group, serving as CEO of Chiasma Christchurch, and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs.

Olivia’s mahi has been recognised with her inclusion in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list in Healthcare & Science for 2024.

Suse Reynolds
Angel Investor

Suse Reynolds is a passionate believer in Kiwi innovation and the power of angel investment to create world-changing businesses. As the co-founder of Wellington region’s angel network, Angel HQ, and the former Executive Chair of the New Zealand Angel Association, she has played a pivotal role in nurturing high-growth startups.

With a portfolio of around 30 early-stage companies, Suse is an active investor who proudly promotes New Zealand’s unique strengths on the global stage. Her experience spans angel investment, international trade, communications and governance, giving her a deep insight into the world of startups.