Digital Technologies

Whaia atu me te ihi0

Pursue with passion

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland is a leader in digital technologies. University researchers are recognised as making significant contributions in areas including robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity and extended reality.

Digital companies spun out from the University include Soul Machines, which offers hyper-realistic, emotionally responsive digital humans; HeartLab, which uses AI to automate echocardiogram analysis; and Formus Labs, which offers 3D planning for joint replacement surgeries.

The Centre of Digital Enterprise, Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Te Pūnaha Matatini and National Institute for Health Innovation are among the research groups working on digital technologies. The Strong AI Lab and Machine Learning Group are advancing artificial intelligence, while the Laboratory for Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Systems focuses strongly on industry collaboration. Facilities such as the Te Ahi Hangarau Technology Hub, the Trimble Technology Lab and the Smart Digital Lab offer students and staff the equipment they need.

Case Studies

Formus Labs: Better joint replacement planning

Formus Labs: Better joint replacement planning

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Soul Machines: Humanising artificial intelligence

Soul Machines: Humanising artificial intelligence

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Kara Technologies: Increasing accessibility for the Deaf

Kara Technologies: Increasing accessibility for the Deaf

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All case studies

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Advancing Research

UniServices helps researchers in areas such as securing funding, connecting people, developing capacity and applying research commercially or for public good.

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Commercialising Research

At UniServices, we’ve invested in more than 65 companies and licensed over 480 patent families. We could help you bring your research to market too.

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Investment Portfolio

UniServices has helped launch more than 65 deep tech companies based on University research. Check out the start-ups we’ve invested in.

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Our Collaborators

Whether you’re a researcher, entrepreneur, investor, government, business, iwi, student, community or other organisation, learn how we can work with you.

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News and Features

New Board chair for UniServices

New Board chair for UniServices

30 June 2023

Professor Frank Bloomfield has been Chair of UniServices by the University of Auckland Council as part of his five-year appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research).

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Researchers developing augmented reality game to help stroke patients recover

Researchers developing augmented reality game to help stroke patients recover

27 March 2023

The puzzle game strengthens the body, stimulates the brain and encourages social connection – and about all patients need is a smartphone and wooden blocks.

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Digital technologies enabling equity and scale in healthcare

Digital technologies enabling equity and scale in healthcare

16 August 2022

Through advancing research and investing in start-ups, UniServices is helping develop digital health services that can be accessed from anywhere, anytime.

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Kara Technologies: Signing up for accessibility

Kara Technologies: Signing up for accessibility

11 May 2022

Kara Technologies working to realise its vision of making sign language avatars available anywhere a Deaf person might want to access services or entertainment.

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Digital Tech Contacts

Luke Spencer

Business Development Manager – Digital Technology and Space

More about Luke

Luke has been with UniServices since 2022, creating partnerships for University researchers with industry and government. Previously, Luke worked as the CTO of a growing electronic and software consultancy, turning innovative ideas into commercial products. Contact about: Research or consulting in digital tech, electronics, automation, space, and engineering-related technologies.

Stephen Flint

Investment Director – Digital Technologies and Engineering

More about Stephen

Stephen has been with UniServices since 2009 and is a fund manager for the University of Auckland Inventors' Fund. Previously, he worked in various investment management and finance roles, and has an MSc in oceanography and geology. Contact about: Commercialising or investing in advanced materials, digital tech and engineering-related technologies.

Kent Lee

Senior Investment Manager – Med Tech

More about Kent

Kent joined UniServices in 2010 and focuses on investment in medical technologies. He has been a contracts manager and a business manager for health and medicine. He holds a degree in medical biochemistry and a master’s degree in entrepreneurship. Contact about: Investing in medical technologies.

Stephen Lo

Investment Manager – Digital Technology and Engineering

More about Stephen

Stephen has worked at UniServices since 2021. His areas of focus are on the commercialisation of advanced chemical materials, physics and optics and digital technologies. He has a PhD in Chemistry and is currently completing his Master of Bioscience Enterprise. Contact about: Commercialising or investing in digital technology or engineering.

Benjamin Pearson

Senior Investment Manager – Engineering, Cleantech, Space Tech

More about Ben

Ben joined UniServices in 2017 and is currently a senior Investment manager for the University of Auckland Inventors Fund. Contact about: Investment in engineering-related technologies including in cleantech, robotics and space.

Yaser Shakib

Investment Manager – Digital Technology

More about Yaser

Yaser graduated as a civil engineer and worked in the land development space for seven years before his interest in technology saw him shifting careers into the Web3 Venture Capital world. He now works as the Investment Manager looking after the digital technology portfolio. Contact about: Commercialising or investing in Blockchain, AI, Machine Learning as well as environmental, structural and civil engineering.