Groups join global Technology Transfer Network

Media Release

New Zealand university commercialisation groups join global Technology Transfer Network

New Zealand - 26 November 2008 - Commercialisation groups from three New Zealand Universities; AUT University’s AUT Innovation and Enterprise, The University of Auckland’s UniServices and University of Waikato’s WaikatoLink have been named as new members of the Technology Transfer Network (TTN), a collaborative alliance of technology transfer offices formed to enhance the effectiveness of technology transfer to industry.

The Singapore-headquartered Technology Transfer Network allows members to leverage one another’s experience in various industries and different geographical regions, share best practice and resources, and collaborate on networking opportunities to enhance their technology commercialisation and innovation efforts globally. The network offers members IP cluster mapping, training and certification of TTO professionals, joint marketing and events and technology advisory services.

TTN, founded in February 2008, has twenty two members across Asia, United States, Canada, Europe and New Zealand, including angel investors, venture capitalists and research institutes.

Mr Jonathan Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive, AUT Innovation and Enterprise, AUT University's business development and commercial arm said, “AUT Innovation and Enterprise has had strong links in Singapore for a number of years. Through these contacts a number of our start up companies have accessed markets, technology development capability, distribution networks and capital in various parts of Asia. We are delighted to be affiliated to the Technology Transfer Network and look forward to working collaboratively with the other members to the benefit of everyone involved.”

Mr Mark Stuart, Chief Executive, WaikatoLink Limited, the University of Waikato’s commercialisation company, added, “We work globally so connectedness, visibility and effective knowledge exchange is vital. The Technology Transfer Network will expose us to new contacts and collaboration partners which will lead to new market opportunities. TTN also provides a great platform for members around the world to exchange local knowledge on areas such as IP protection, investment and commercialisation. We also look forward to sharing best practice with the other network members, as we collectively work to strengthen the technology transfer industry”.

Dr Peter Lee, Chief Executive, Auckland UniServices Limited, the commercialisation company of The University of Auckland, said, “Our organisation looks forward to a productive partnership with the Technology Transfer Network and its members. The network and its growing global presence is a symbol of the increasingly flat and frictionless world in which we do business. We look forward to sharing our technologies, businesses, practices and markets with our counterparts around the world”.

The new members were announced yesterday in Singapore at the inaugural TTN Innovation and Enterprise Forum (IEF) where organisations from around the world gathered to share best practices about incubation, translational research and technology transfer. Mr Martin Harvey, the High Commissioner of New Zealand in Singapore attended the ceremony.

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