KiwiNet and CSIRO sign commercialisation agreement
Hamilton, New Zealand – 28 February 2012 – Trans Tasman collaboration on innovation research and technology transfer is set to increase with the signing of a
cooperation agreement between The Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) and CSIRO, the Commonwealth Scientific and
Industrial Research Organisation. KiwiNet, a consortium of New Zealand research organisations collaborating on research
commercialisation, will work with the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency to uncover synergies and opportunities
for technology collaboration.
The memorandum of understanding will see parties regularly exchange project and research information in a wide range of
areas from precision agriculture to high tech manufacturing to cleantech. KiwiNet and CSIRO will also access each
other’s specialist expertise and capabilities, as well as industry and investor networks to assist technology transfer
activities and provide more opportunities for those groups.
Jan Bingley, General Manager IP and Licensing at CSIRO says, “It makes good sense to take a collaborative approach to
research commercialisation. By working collaboratively we can identify opportunities to combine complementary
technologies to create more investable propositions.”
Dr Nigel Johnson, Director of Research & Innovation, University of Canterbury, a KiwiNet member says, “Encouraging a transparent flow of information on the
research and technologies each country is working on will give us the visibility and understanding we need to uncover
mutually beneficial commercial opportunities. This approach will also allow us to develop a valuable learning
partnership which will help improve our commercialisation capability.”
KiwiNet and CSIRO will initially exchange project portfolio information four times a year to identify collaboration
opportunities. Internships and staff exchanges between the two organisations are also likely.
Jan Bingley adds, “By leveraging our combined capability we can create new opportunities. We may only have part of the
answer in an area and this partnership will allow us to take a collective approach to solving problems and developing
innovative technologies. Sharing networks and knowledge will also help us take research and innovations to the
marketplace.”
CSIRO is the single largest employer of scientists in Australia, with more than 6,500 people conducting and assisting
with scientific research in Australia and around the world. The core KiwiNet organisations Plant & Food Research, Otago Innovation Ltd, Lincoln University, AUT Enterprises, AgResearch, University of Canterbury,
Industrial Research Ltd, Viclink and WaikatoLink have 6,300 research staff and 127 commercialisation staff; with a
research spend of over $500 million.
The agreement builds on KiwiNet’s recent commercialisation agreement with the Texas A University System.
“We know that a collective approach to scientific and technology based innovation, a global network and easy access for
funders increases the chance of success for technologies and ventures. We will all benefit from collaboration,” says Dr
Johnson.
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About KiwiNet
The Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) currently comprises six universities and three crown research institutes working
together to increase the scale and impact of scientific and technology based innovation in New Zealand. Supported by the
Ministry of Science and Innovation, KiwiNet’s role is to empower those involved in research commercialisation by helping
them access the tools, connections, investment and support they need. By working together, KiwiNet aim to better
leverage the combined capability of NZ research organisations and help each other to achieve greater commercial outcomes
for New Zealand.
About CSIRO
CSIRO is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse scientific research organisations
in the world. Their role is to deliver great science and innovative solutions for industry, society and the environment.
They work on new ways to improve quality of life, as well as the economic and social performance of a number of industry
sectors through research and development. Established in 1926, CSIRO is the single largest employer of scientists in
Australia, with more than 6,500 people conducting and assisting with scientific research at 57 sites in Australia and
around the world.