Engineering & Materials

Kei ō tātou ringaringa te ao

The world is ours to behold

With New Zealand’s top Faculty of Engineering, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland does world-leading research in areas including wireless charging, flexible electronics and sustainable energy. Researchers from the faculties of Science and Medical and Health Sciences are also well known for their work in applied physical sciences, advanced materials and bioengineering.

Research centres such as the Space Institute | Te Pūnaha Ātea, Transportation Research Centre and Centre for Advanced Materials, Manufacturing and Design encourage impactful transdisciplinary work. The University also has specialised equipment and facilities including the National Satellite Test Facility.

UniServices-backed spinout companies include Tectonus, which makes structures earthquake-resistant; Quantifi Photonics, which makes photonics test and measurement equipment; PowerOn, which is working on giving robots a soft sense of touch; Cirrus Materials Science, which makes advanced coatings in sustainable ways; and Zenno Astronautics, which is developing electromagnets for spacecraft control and propulsion.

Case Studies

Tectonus: Building seismic resilience

Tectonus: Building seismic resilience

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Vortex Power Systems: Revolutionary green energy

Vortex Power Systems: Revolutionary green energy

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Cirrus Materials Science: Better, cleaner coatings

Cirrus Materials Science: Better, cleaner coatings

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All case studies

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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 partner with you.

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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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Environment & Cleantech

Sustainability-focused research and cleantech are essential to all of our futures. Learn how UniServices is helping advance green research and its application.

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News and Features

Leading the world in wireless power transfer innovation

Leading the world in wireless power transfer innovation

09 February 2023

If there’s any area where Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has changed the world, it’s in the development of wireless power transfer technology.

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Making geothermal energy truly sustainable

Making geothermal energy truly sustainable

09 September 2022

With more than $6 million in new MBIE funding, University of Auckland researchers are working to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of geothermal energy.

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Cleaning wastewater and producing fertiliser at the same time

Cleaning wastewater and producing fertiliser at the same time

13 April 2022

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland researchers aim to pilot a process to extract a safe, clean fertiliser from wastewater on an industrial scale.

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Building a full-service space science centre

Building a full-service space science centre

30 August 2021

The Space Institute – Te Pūnaha Ātea – has a vision: to become New Zealand’s leading centre for building and operating small satellites.

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Engineering & Materials Contacts

Analeise Murahidy

Executive Director, Strategic Growth

More about Analeise

Analeise has been with UniServices since 2009. Prior to joining UniServices she held contract management, operations and business development roles within the tertiary sector in the UK and New Zealand. In 2024 she was appointed to the role of Executive Director, Strategic Growth.

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.

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.