Deep Tech Network - Annual Report 2025

20 June, 2026

Our Deep Tech Network brings together research entrepreneurs for peer-to-peer advice, support and sharing of resources. Researchers consistently value the opportunity to engage with peers who have already experienced the journey of building a science-based start-up. Likewise, experienced founders also derive value from staying up to date with the research environment and opportunities to participate (e.g. in the Applied PhD Scheme) in collaborative R&D.

The network gets together across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Pōneke Wellington, Ōtautahi Christchurch and now also Ōtepoti Dunedin on a regular basis. The Ōtepoti Dunedin breakfast series has had the good fortune to have Emeritus Investigator Associate Professor Carla Meledandri volunteer to host these. Carla brings together the technical perspectives of a past founder with tenacious dynamism, some of the key ingredients needed for our Aotearoa companies to thrive in deep tech.

Otepoti Dunedin Deep Tech Breakfast

One of our highlights was a lunch event in partnership with Deborah Walls from Wellington NZ, where Greg Overton and Mireia Marques gave a lively and informative overview of the Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) scheme. Our event had around 40 attendees from a range of Wellington-based companies exploring R&D opportunities. The scheme exists for those pushing beyond existing knowledge in science or technology, doing Core R&D - missing out on RDTI means leaving value on the table. The RDTI customer engagement team offers free, tailored support to help assess eligibility and navigate the application process.