R centre welcomes Prime Minister’s announcement on science investment
WelTec (Wellington Institute of Technology) today warmly welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement on significant
investment into research and science via the Igniting Potential initiative.
“WelTec is an innovative and technology-oriented enterprise. Our focus is on applied research and technology
development,” said Dr Linda Sissons, Chief Executive of WelTec.
“We are a key R partner for a number of companies that have significant export potential. WelTec works with these companies to develop
innovative technologies, through applied research. To be able to access funding that supports these activities would
allow us to really build our capacity to transfer knowledge and deliver products to commercial companies.
“R funding would help us to capitalise on the expertise of our staff. We have large, sophisticated workshops with advanced
technology, especially in the field of engineering, and these facilities could be used for more than just teaching. With
the possibility of additional funds we could support staff to spend more time working with companies. Beefing up our
capacity, particularly in the research technician area, would directly benefit industry,” said Dr Sissons.
WelTec currently offers businesses a technology partnership programme. “The technology transfer vouchers announced today
would provide the means for companies to approach WelTec to get a specific project completed. We are well positioned to
actively engage with companies,” said Dr Sissons.
One such company is AquaMax Devco. AquaMax Devco has been assisted by WelTec to translate technology into a mobile
laboratory which is now allowing the development of products for commercial release. These products include ultra
high-pressure low-volume waterjet technology which has many applications including roading and aircraft.
Steve Robinson, Research Director of AquaMax Devco comments. “Without WelTec’s R expertise to date we would not be in the exciting position we are in now. Our association with WelTec has been critical
to our development as a company. We are now on the verge of international success which has been greatly assisted
through the automation of our technology through WelTec’s expertise. We commend the government on putting money into R which has the potential to greatly assist companies like AquaMax Devco to expand and succeed.”
ENDS