University of Auckland top for active start-ups and spinouts

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland and its commercialisation company, UniServices, have been recognised as leaders in research commercialisation in the 2024 Survey of Commercialisation Outcomes from Public Research (SCOPR), conducted by Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA).

The SCOPR 2024 report benchmarks the performance of 76 research organisations, including universities, medical research institutes and public research organisations, across Australia and New Zealand. The University of Auckland is a standout performer once again, demonstrating excellence across several key indicators of research impact and innovation.

The University is No 1 for the third year in a row for its number of active start-up and spinout companies (2024-2022), beating out Melbourne University and Australia’s renowned CSIRO in this area.

Key highlights include:

Leading in active start-ups and spinouts: Reported the highest number of active start-up and spinout companies (44), showcasing sustained support for entrepreneurship.

Top-tier commercialisation revenue: In the Australasian top ten institutions for commercialisation income, reflecting strong returns from intellectual property and innovation.

Strong industry engagement: Ranked in the top ten for research contract income from for-profit companies, highlighting the University’s ability to attract and deliver value to industry partners.

Consistent new venture creation: Formed nine new start-ups and spinouts in 2024, placing it among the top ten institutions in the region.

Significant equity holdings: Ranked in the top ten for the value of equity held in start-up and spinout companies, demonstrating long-term investment in innovation success.

“These achievements reflect not only the strength and diversity of research at the University of Auckland but also the deep partnerships, commercial expertise and entrepreneurial ecosystem that turn world-class ideas into world-changing ventures,” says Will Charles, UniServices’ executive director, Investments.

“These spinouts create high-value jobs, attract investment, and deliver real benefits to society.”

At the heart of this success is the partnership between UniServices, the University’s wholly owned research and innovation company, and the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, hosted by the Faculty of Business and Economics.

The University’s commercialisation strength spans deep tech, health innovation, clean energy, AI and advanced manufacturing. Spinout successes include companies like Alimetry, Avasa, Zenno Astronautics, Kitea Health and StretchSense, which have gone on to secure international investment and global partnerships.

“Leading SCOPR once again demonstrates that New Zealand’s universities can compete on the global innovation stage,” says Dr Greg Murison, chief executive of UniServices and Pro-Vice Chancellor Innovation and Enterprise at the University.

“It reflects our commitment to translating research excellence into tangible economic, environmental and social outcomes.”

Professor Frank Bloomfield, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, says the results reflect the vibrant innovation ecosystem at the University of Auckland and the University’s commitment to supporting its students and staff on their commercialisation journey.