Finalists in KiwiNet awards
Biodegradable plastic packaging, cancer treatment work and emotionally intelligent avatars among projects vying for honours
Askin cancer prevention tool, biodegradable plastic packaging, and a special type of paint that can change the behaviour of cells, bacteria and viruses are all projects that have earned researchers a finalist position in the KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards.
There are 12 finalists for the awards, designed to celebrate commercialisation success in New Zealand universities and Crown Research Institutes.
The Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) is a consortium of 16 universities, Crown Research Institutes and a Crown Entity established to boost commercial outcomes from publicly funded research.
“We’ve uncovered another stellar group of innovation game changers from across New Zealand,” KiwiNet chief executive James Hutchinson said.
“These researchers are showing how innovative Kiwi science is driving prosperity, adding value to our economy and taking our technology to the world.”
Winners of the KiwiNet Awards 2017 will be announced at an evening reception on 13 July in Auckland. Norman F. B. Barry Foundation Emerging Innovator Award Dr Saad Hussain from Scion is growing New Zealand’s forest-based bioeconomy packaging innovations by creating longer-lasting packaging for international companies.
He is also looking into the mechanics of foam properties and is developing industrially compostable plastic for things such as yoghurt cartons or water bottles.
A hospital complex in Christchurch is already using Dr Geoff Rodgers’ (right) mechanical seismic dampers — designed to dissipate kinetic energy from seismic waves entering a building structure.
Rodgers, from the University of Canterbury, is also developing a new method for early detection of wear and tear in hip joint implants. The technology monitors the vibration levels emitted from the implants and allows doctors to assess what condition the implant is in. Dr Daniel Xu from the University of Auckland and Spark 64 has produced UVLens®, a personal UV management tool which aims to educate young children on UV risks and instil sun smart behaviour early. The technology also provides adults with real-time UV information, alerts and recommendations. The UVLens® Weather Kit contains sensors and software to measure local UV, temperature, rainfall.
The technology integrates into apps, websites, email and social media. Baldwins Researcher Entrepreneur Award: Professor Richard Furneaux of Vic- w