University leads country in commercialising research

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has been recognised as one of Australasia's leading research commercialisation institutions, achieving top rankings across multiple measures in the latest Survey of Commercialisation Outcomes from Public Research (SCOPR®).
Compared against 72 universities, medical research institutes and public research organisations across Australia and New Zealand, the University was the highest-performing New Zealand university in several key categories and ranks among the region's leading institutions overall.
The University of Auckland is:

• First in New Zealand and equal third in Australasia for new start-ups and spinouts created
• First in New Zealand and fifth in Australasia for new patent applications filed
• Third in Australasia for active spinout and startup companies in which equity is held
• Third in Australasia for commercialisation revenue
• Sixth in Australasia for the value of equity held in active spinout companies
• Among the top 10 organisations in Australasia for active licensing and commercialisation agreements

The results place the University alongside some of Australasia's largest and most established research institutions, highlighting the strength of its innovation ecosystem and its ability to convert research discoveries into real-world impact.
 

Professor Frank Bloomfield, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation says,“These results are recognition of the ingenuity, commitment, and dedication of our researchers, as well as the teams who support them translate new knowledge into practical outcomes.
“It’s great to see the University ranked among Australasia’s leading research institutions, but we recognise that with our position as the country’s largest research-intensive university comes the responsibility to ensure discoveries offer meaningful benefit for society.”
He says the knowledge generated by universities is a key public good. “With that comes an obligation to work with industry, investors, government and communities to ensure that knowledge created lasing economic and social value.”
In 2025, University researchers generated 194 invention disclosures, filed 40 new patent applications, launched seven new start-ups and spinouts, and maintained equity holdings in 38 active spinout companies. The total commercialisation revenue was $74m.
The University's particularly strong performance in active spinouts and commercialisation revenue demonstrates the long-term value being created from research, with ventures continuing to grow beyond initial establishment to deliver commercial returns.
Will Charles, executive director Investments at UniServices, says the results reflected the quality of research at the University and the strength of the support systems that help researchers translate discoveries into impact.
"These results confirm the University of Auckland's position as New Zealand's leading university for research commercialisation and place us among the top-performing institutions across Australasia.
"Our researchers are developing world-class ideas that are attracting investment, generating new companies, creating commercial partnerships and delivering benefits to society."
He says to rank alongside some of Australia's largest universities and research organisations demonstrates the global relevance of the innovation emerging from the University's research community.
The University commercialises research through UniServices, which works with researchers, industry partners, and investors to develop technologies and ventures that deliver economic, environmental, and social impact. Students are introduced to innovation and entrepreneurship through programmes and competitions at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The University has developed incubators for start-ups at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and the Newmarket Innovation Precinct.