Our Inspired One Hundred

Alumni who are CEO/CSO/founders and still working in their start-up company

1. Dr Sara Beikzadeh completed her PhD focusing on electrochemical approaches to develop antibacterial and antiviral platforms. She was one of the winners of the 2021 Velocity 100K Challenge, which led to the founding of her start-up, SuperCarbon. Currently, she works as a technical research fellow in a dynamic team dedicated to developing electrochemical sensors for health monitoring devices. This team has significant potential and promising prospects to become a leading deep-tech startup in Aotearoa New Zealand.

I am passionate about using scientific research to solve global health problems and advance sustainable technology.

Dr Sara Beikzadeh Technical Research Fellow and Founder SuperCarbon

2. Dr Brendan Darby did his PhD in physics at Victoria University of Wellington and is now CEO and co-founder at Marama Labs, a start-up company with patented spectroscopy and cloud software, enabling innovative solutions to tough industrial problems in liquid analysis.

Dr Shalini Divya at Tasmanion

3. Dr Shalini Divya discovered a safer and cheaper alternative to lithium-ion batteries while doing her PhD at Victoria University of Wellington. She’s now CEO and co-founder of start-up company TasmanIon, working to take their aluminium-ion battery technology forward for commercialisation. Shalini won the KiwiNet Breakthrough Innovator Award in 2021.

4. Dr Ratu Mataira did his PhD in physics at Victoria University of Wellington and is the founder of Openstar Technologies Ltd. Openstar is developing the Levitated Dipole Fusion reactor leveraging New Zealand's unique capability with HTS magnet technology. So far the company has attracted 20m NZD of funding and has built a team of 40 to push towards their ambitious goal.

5. Associate Professor Franck Natali was a postdoctoral fellow at Victoria University of Wellington, where he is now Associate Professor in Physics. He is CSO & founder director of start-up Liquium, which is developing & scaling a new way to make green ammonia. He was an Innovator Fellow at Breakthrough Energy and a finalist at the 2022 Researcher Entrepreneur Award KiwiNet Awards. Liquium won the Asian Entrepreneurship Award 2022 and the Japan Academic Society for Ventures and Entrepreneurs (JASVE) Award 2022.

6. Dr Olivia Ogilvie did her PhD in biochemistry at the University of Auckland and is now CEO at start-up company Opo Bio, New Zealand’s first company developing cell lines for biomanufacturing, including cultivated meat and collagen.

7. Dr Andrew Preston completed a PhD in physics from Victoria University of Wellington. He was founder and CEO of start-up Publons (which was acquired by Clarivate) and is now co-founder of new start-up Cassyni, a start-up helping researchers with the discovery, organisation and publication of academic seminars.

8. Jono Ring has a Masters degree in chemical and process engineering from the University of Canterbury and is now CEO and co-founder of Zincovery, a start-up company developing technology for the clean recycling of zinc from steel waste. Zincovery won the Callaghan Innovation C Prize in 2020 and Jono won the KiwiNet Breakthrough Innovator Award in October 2022.

9. Dr Eldon Tate completed his PhD in chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington and is now CEO and founder of Inhibit Coatings, a start-up company producing antimicrobial coatings for hygienic environments. Eldon won the KiwiNet Norman Barry Foundation Breakthrough Innovator Award in 2020.

10. Dr Kyle Webster did his PhD focused on protein engineering at the University of Auckland. He co-founded LitMaps, a Wellington-based company delivering search engine services for scientific information. Litmaps has served over 370,000 researchers globally, and is now focused on countering the threat of next generation bioweapons. He is primarily based in the USA but maintains close ties with, and invests in, New Zealand deep tech companies.

Alumni currently working in MacDiarmid Institute deep tech start-ups

11. Dr Ronnie Tamming did his PhD in physics at Victoria University of Wellington and is now a product engineer at start-up Advemto Ltd.

I am passionate about working in deep tech because it allows me to push the boundaries of science and bring cutting-edge technology to the world, driving innovation and progress.

Dr Ronnie Tamming Product Engineer Advemto Ltd

12. Dr Anna Farquhar completed her PhD in chemistry at the University of Canterbury and is now R&D team leader at Aeroqual Ltd - a global leader in air quality monitoring.

13. Dr Subo Lee did his PhD in chemistry at Massey University and is now R&D scientist at start-up company Captivate Technology.

I have always wanted to contribute to making the world a better place. Now, I feel like I am going in the right direction. I hope all my skills and knowledge help the world.

Dr Subo Lee R&D Scientist Captivate Technology

14. Dr Simon Ashforth did his PhD in physics at the University of Auckland is now chief operating officer at start-up Engender Technologies.

15. Dr Matheu Broom completed his PhD in physics at the University of Auckland and now works for start-up Engender Technologies. Matheu is team lead - microfluidics and microfabrication.

I am passionate about New Zealand's growing deep tech sector. The unique opportunity that we have as a country to contribute to novel advanced technologies globally by leveraging the unique skills, mindset and drive that Kiwis have.

Dr Matheu Broom Team Lead Engender Technologies Ltd

16. Dr Fan Hong did his PhD in physics at the University of Otago and is now Team Lead at start-up Engender Technologies.

17. Peter Hosking did a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) at the University of Auckland and is now Chief Technology Officer at Engender Technologies.

18. Dr Emma Wrigglesworth completed her PhD in chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington and currently works as technical lead at start-up Inhibit Coatings Ltd.

New Zealand deep tech is effectively translating technology into real-world solutions and elevating Kiwi scientists and engineers to global innovators.

Dr Emma Wrigglesworth Technical Lead Inhibit Coatings Ltd

19. Dr Mohsen Maddah did his PhD at Victoria University of Wellington and is now senior scientist at Liquium, a start-up company developing and scaling a new way to make green ammonia.

20. Dr Geoffry Laufersky completed his PhD in chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington and is now R&D manager at start-up Marama Labs.

It is very satisfying seeing the products that we design, assemble, and test in New Zealand be used by real-world customers to unlock analytics they would not be able to measure without our work.

Dr Geoffry Laufersky R&D Manager Marama Labs

21. Hamesh Patel completed his Masters in environmental science and is working toward his PhD at the University of Auckland. Hamesh is currently an air quality consultant scientist at former start-up Mote Ltd. His background includes sensor development, air quality sensor networks and developing new methods to investigate pollution sources within urban environments.

22. Dr Matheus J. T. Vargas did his PhD in chemistry at the University of Auckland before co-founding medical testing start-up company Orbis Diagnostics, where he was CTO for a number of years. He is now on the Scientific Board for Orbis and is currently CEO and co-founder of self-directed investment start-up Ramblocks.

I am passionate about working at the interdisciplinary boundaries of science and engineering, where groundbreaking innovations emerge and rapidly impact people's lives.

Dr Matheus Vargas CEO and Co-Founder Ramblocks

23. Dr Mohinder Naiya did his PhD at the University of Auckland and is now Head of Chemistry at Spherelose, a start-up company making biodegradable emulsifiers from cheap, plentiful and sustainable wood pulp. Unlike traditional emulsifiers, the process produces virtually no waste and is almost completely closed loop.

24. Dr Rob Ward has a PhD in physics from Massey University and is now working on ‘plug-and-play’ automated microfluidics, microscopy and robotics products at start-up company White Rabbit Scientific Ltd.

25. Lily Clague did her Masters in chemistry at the University of Otago and is now employed at start-up Zincovery.

26. Dr Leatham Landon-Lane studied long-duration batteries for his PhD in chemical and process engineering at the University of Canterbury. He then joined Zincovery to decarbonise the zinc industry, transitioning to a commercial role as vice president - business development.

I'm committed to decarbonising industry and supporting New Zealand technologies.

Dr Leatham Landon-Lane Vice President - Business Development Zincovery

Alumni working in other deep tech industry start-ups within NZ

27. Dr Campbell Matthews did his Masters in physics at Victoria University of Wellington then went on to complete his PhD in physics at the University of Cambridge and is currently battery research scientist at start-up ArcActive.

28. Dr Jared Steven did his PhD in electrochemical engineering at the University of Canterbury and is now electrolysis research engineer at start-up Aspiring Materials.

I am highly motivated to bring novel, but practical and economical viable solutions to complex technological problems.

Dr Campbell Matthews Battery Research Scientist ArcActive

29. Dr Yajie Wang did his PhD in microbiology at Massey University and is now R&D scientist at start-up BioLumic.

30. Dr Michael Schweig completed his PhD in Engineering at VUW with a focus on process and chemical engineering. He is a Co-founder and CTO of CaSil Technologies Ltd which commercialises a novel and industry disruptive technology to wholly eliminate silica scaling in geothermal power plants. The technology allows for significantly more electricity and process heat to be produced from the same resource and fully unlocks the potential of geothermal energy.

31. Dr Aljo Anand did his PhD in chemistry at the University of Auckland. He interned on the NZ Cleantech Report and is now a Research Scientist with Futurity Bio-Ventures, a cleantech start-up company focused on extracting value-added products from the pulp and paper industry.

32. Dr Campbell McNicoll did his PhD at the University of Canterbury, worked as lead scientist at Avertana and is currently R&D manager at Geo40.

My drive comes from wanting to set the world up to survive and be sustainable in the next 100-1000 years and beyond. My obligation in life is to leave the world better than if I hadn't been here and I've literally dedicated my life to doing what I can.

Dr Jared Steven Electrolysis Research Engineer Aspiring Materials

33. Dr Mima Kurian completed her PhD in chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington and is now research and development chemist at start-up Hot Lime Labs. Hot Lime Labs has developed a system to produce clean, renewable CO2 from the combustion of wood and agri-waste for large high-tech commercial greenhouses.

34. Dr Felicia Ullstad has a PhD in physics from Victoria University of Wellington and has been at start-up Hot Lime Labs for over five years, currently as head of R&D.

My love for physics in particular came from the most wonderful physics teacher in college who was passionate about both the subject and about teaching.

Dr Felicia Ullstad Head of R&D Hot Lime Labs

35. Dr Anusree Anil did her PhD in biochemistry at the University of Auckland and is now research project manager at start-up company Humble Bee Bio. 

36. Dr Kun Woo Park did his PhD in chemistry at the University of Auckland and is now a research and development chemist at start-up Hydroxys.

I am passionate about using synthetic biology to develop sustainable solutions for global challenges. I oversee and manage projects focused on innovative biotechnological research, pushing scientific boundaries and creating eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials, thereby contributing to the Cleantech sector.

Dr Anusree Anil Research Project Manager Humble Bee Bio

37. Dr Peter Hauer did his PhD in physics at Victoria University of Wellington and has worked for seven years for nanotechnology research company Izon, including as chief physicist and most recently as research development consultant, before heading overseas, from where he is still working on a contracting basis for Izon.

38. Dr Rishi Pandey did his PhD in biochemistry at the University of Canterbury and is currently lead scientist for the biotech start-up Kimer Med in Nelson.

39. Vishal Vijaya Kumar received his Masters in medical devices and technology at the University of Auckland. He has been involved in multiple start-ups including Kitea Health LTD and Orbis Diagnostics. He is currently working as a medical device engineer at Kitea Health developing miniature implantable pressure sensors to monitor health conditions such as hydrocephalus and heart failure.

40. Valentine Chan studied the kinetics of creating antimicrobial silver compounds in wool for his Masters at Victoria University of Wellington and is now scientific technical manager at start-up Lanaco.

I am deeply motivated by the vast opportunities I have at Lanaco to help make natural possible in air filtration, in industries that desperately need sustainable solutions, such as home appliances and HVAC systems.

Valentine Chan Scientific Technical Manager Lanaco

41. Dr Lita Lee did her PhD in chemistry at the University of Canterbury and is now senior scientist at start-up Mint Innovation.

42. Dr Robert Staniland has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Canterbury and is now head of R&D at start-up Mint Innovation.

43. Dr David Young did his PhD in chemistry at the University of Canterbury and is now chemistry lead at start-up Mint Innovation.

44. Dr Loc Tran did her PhD in chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington and is now senior scientist at Mint Innovation.

There is a huge need for more sustainable recycling processes, and being able to apply my chemical knowledge towards this goal in a multidisciplinary team is both challenging and exciting!

Dr David Young Chemistry Lead Mint Innovation

45. Dr Alex Risos did his PhD in physics at Victoria University of Wellington and went on to found RisosEnterprises Ltd; an award-winning university start-up company ($100k Velocity Challenge, $1M MBIE Smart Ideas) that uses a clever combination of AI and hardware to detect waterborne pathogens (i.a. E. coli) 100 times faster than currently possible. This trademarked 'Waicorder' (Wai-Ora & Tricorder) technology will create a future where six billion people finally have safe water management and 100.000 industries can save millions of dollars each year. Alex's goal is to make sure everyone accesses safe water in this, and other worlds, for today's, and future generations. Constantly challenging the status quo means for him "creating a better future for the entire human race".

46. Dr James McNulty did his PhD in physics at Victoria University of Wellington before working as a data engineer at start-up Syft Technologies and is now a business analyst at energy data management company Robotron NZ.

I'm delighted to be able to use my skills to tackle environmental problems like green-house gas emissions or improving the circular economy.

Dr Stefanie Maslek Senior Scientist Ruminant Biotech

47. Dr Harry Warring did his PhD in physics at Victoria University of Wellington and is now senior development engineer at Rocket Lab Ltd. You can watch him talk about getting the job at Rocket Lab here. "Working in deep tech allows me to leverage the skills and information acquired during my studies to solve interesting and important real world problems," he says.

48. Dr Stefanie Maslek did her PhD in chemistry at the University of Auckland, spent four years as senior scientist for start-up Mint Innovation and is now senior scientist at start-up Ruminant Biotech.

My work as a lead scientist at Kimer Med has allowed me to delve into the development of cutting-edge broad-spectrum antivirals.

Dr Rishi Pandey Lead Scientist Kimer Med

49. Dr Nic Bason did his PhD in chemistry at the University of Canterbury and is now applications scientist at start-up Syft Technologies.

50. Blake Elliot graduated with a Masters in biochemistry from the University of Canterbury and is now tech research manager at 28toZero.

My motivation for working in deep tech is the fact that ideas alone cannot achieve progress, true progress is made when great ideas are applied steadfastly.

Blake Elliot Tech Research Manager 28toZero

Alumni working in larger (not-start-up) research-led companies in NZ

51. Dr Graham Brodie was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Chemical Sciences at the University of Auckland and is now Medical Device Manager at AFT Pharmaceuticals where he is developing a nasal drug delivery device.

52. Dr Alice Young did her PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of Canterbury and is currently a mechanical engineer at Allied Industrial Engineering Ltd.

53. Dr Maxime (Jean Laurent) Savoie did his PhD in photo and electrochemistry at the University of Canterbury and is currently senior chemist at Amaea.

54. Dr Isabela Monteiro did her PhD in chemical and materials engineering at the University of Auckland, worked for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare as a product development engineer for several years and is currently a regulatory affairs specialist with biotechnology research company Aroa Biosurgery.

55. Zain Kader has a Masters in engineering from Canterbury University and now works as principal consultant, decarbonisation, for design, engineering and advisory company Aurecon.

I joined a deep tech company as they are the tip of the spear for answering the challenge of global warming and sustainable future.

Dr Maxime (Jean Laurent) Savoie Senior Chemist Amaea

56. Rebecca Newport did her Masters in chemical and process engineering at the University of Canterbury and is now chemical and process engineer at Aurecon.

57. Dr Josiah Cleland graduated from Massey University with a PhD in mathematical physics, and is currently working as a data scientist at DairyNZ, the industry organisation that represents all New Zealand dairy farmers.

58. Dr Thomas Kerr-Phillips did his PhD in polymer chemistry at the University of Auckland and is the Lead Materials Scientist at Dennisson Technologies.

I am driven by primarily by two things; the need to make new and useful things, and the strong desire to leave the world a better place than how I found it.

Dr Thomas Kerr-Phillips Lead Materials Scientist Dennisson Technologies

59. Dr Sandhya Singh did her PhD in chemistry at the University of Otago and is now a scientific and laboratory analyst at Donaghys Ltd.

60. Dr Vipin Kumar did his PhD in inorganic chemistry at the University of Auckland. He worked as R&D chemist at Hexion Inc and is now validation engineer at Douglas Pharmaceuticals.

61. Dr Aakanksha Rani did her PhD in chemistry at the University of Auckland and is now a Research Scientist at Douglas Pharmaceuticals.

I'm motivated by navigating the intricate intersection of innovative biomedical technology and regulatory compliance, ensuring that Aroa Biosurgery's groundbreaking advancements reach patients safely and swiftly.

Dr Isabela Monteiro Regulatory Affairs Specialist Aroa Biosurgery

62. Dr Jose Enrico Quijano Quinsaat worked with Massey University-based MacDiarmid investigator Professor Shane Telfer and is now rubber development chemist at Auckland-based Gulf Engineered Rubber & Plastics. His main interest is creating materials towards the enhancement of various aspects of everyday life, including safe drinking water and efficient medical reagents and devices.

63. Dr Jamal Cheema has a PhD in electrochemical biosensing from the University of Auckland and is currently operations engineer at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.

64. Dr Hannah Holtkamp did her PhD in analytical chemistry at the University of Auckland, and worked for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare as a clinical research scientist. (She is now innovation development manager at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ).

I have been privileged to be surrounded by thought leaders in the sustainability (and energy) space for years. Through this experience, I have recognised the change needed for organisations across industry to shift our ways of thinking to more sustainable ways of operating. This rests on understanding the capacity and capability of the people involved. Now more than ever there is a need to push for the values of sustainability into our investments, businesses and beyond so we do not look back at this time in New Zealand's history with regret.

Zain Kader Principal Consultant, Decarbonisation Aurecon

65. Dr Seong Nam did his PhD in inorganic chemistry at the University of Auckland, and has worked at two NZ start-ups, firstly as senior scientist at Mote, then as R&D manager at Hydroxsys, and is now senior chemist at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.

66. Dr Frederick Steven (Wells) Thornborough did his postdoctoral work on high-speed photography of fluids at the University of Auckland and is currently senior product development engineer at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.

67. Dr Kyriakos Varnava completed a PhD in chemistry at the University of Auckland and spent 18 months as product manager at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, before heading overseas in mid-2024.

68. Dr Deepti Mahapatra did her Masters on self-assembly of collagen mimetic peptides at the University of Canterbury before working for 3.5 years for Fonterra as a senior technologist. She is now senior product development technologist at food and beverage company Suntory Oceania.

69. Dr Ben Westberry did his PhD in biophysics at Massey University and is now employed as a research scientist at Fonterra Research and Development Centre, where he applies his knowledge of soft matter physics to the study of foods.

70. Dr Zainab Makinde did her PhD in chemistry at the University of Auckland and is now an R&D research scientist, Applied Physical Sciences Innovation and Brand R&D, for Fonterra.

71. Dr Dijana Bogunović did her PhD in physics at the University of Auckland and is now senior optical engineer at KiwiStar Optics which produces precision optics for astronomy for the Defence and Space Manufacturing Industry.

My main motivation throughout my studies and since has been to take some steps into green-house gas emissions management.

Dr Hani Taleshi Process/Validation Engineer MP Biomedicals

72. Dr Deepika Kanyan did her PhD in chemistry at the University of Auckland and is now technical waste specialist at InterGroup.

73. Dr Gordon Agbenyegah completed his PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Auckland and is now Project Manager at Light Metals Research Centre.

74. Dr Philippa-Kate Andrew did her PhD in engineering at Massey University and now works as a renewable energy engineer at Meridian Energy.

75. Dr Hani Taleshi did his PhD in chemical and process engineering at the University of Canterbury and is now process/ validation engineer at life science, fine chemical and diagnostic products company MP Biomedicals.

Committed to sustainable innovation and cleantech, I believe that good science can provide practical solutions to global challenges. My focus is on waste-to-value initiatives in the hides and skins industry and the broader primary industries sector, transforming by-products into valuable materials. This approach reduces waste and promotes sustainability. Our research team aims to develop new processing technologies and materials that positively impact New Zealand's environment and bio-economy.

Dr Sujay Prabakar Science Team Leader New Zealand Leather and Shoe Research Association

76. Dr Sujay Prabakar has a PhD in materials chemistry from Victoria University of Wellington and is now the science team leader at New Zealand Leather and Shoe Research Association (LASRA).

77. Dr Asad Kariman did his PhD in process engineering at the University of Canterbury and is now a quality control analyst at New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

78. Dr Hongzhau (Andy) Zhang did his PhD in chemical and materials engineering at the University of Auckland. He then worked as a materials scientist at start-up company Nanolayr, and is now a process engineer at NZ Steel.

Drawing on my extensive background in wet chemistry, materials synthesis, and advanced characterization techniques, I strive to inspire scientific innovation and collaborative problem-solving in every project I undertake.

Dr Asad Kariman Quality Control Analyst New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd

79. Dr Sam Lind completed his PhD in chemistry at the University of Otago and is now solutions architect at Oritain.

80. Dr Fabian Dolamore did his PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Canterbury and is currently principal scientist/engineer at Precision Chromatography.

81. Dr Caixia Hou did her PhD in developing highly efficient wide-bandgap power electronics at the University of Canterbury and is now employed as a full-time microfabrication engineer with Rakon Ltd in Auckland, NZ.

82. Dr Alana Salkeld (Hyland) did her PhD in electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Canterbury and is currently a microfabrication process engineer at Rakon Ltd.

I'm passionate about using my chemical and materials engineering expertise together with AI machine learning tools to achieve process improvements, high yield rate and product consistency in the steel industry.

Dr Hongzhau (Andy) Zhang Process Engineer NZ Steel

83. Victoria-Jayne Scott did her Masters in inorganic chemistry at Massey University and is working as a scientist at Science Haven Ltd.

84. Dr Joshua Sutton graduated with his PhD in chemistry from the University of Otago and is currently a laboratory technician at Silver Fern Farms Ltd.

85. Dr Rodrigo Martinez Gazoni did his PhD in physics at the University of Canterbury and is now senior scientist at Syft Technologies.

I am excited to be working in a career in which I can contribute to decarbonisation and developing sustainable materials for the roading industry.

Lia van den Kerkhof Senior Research Scientist WSP Research

86. Bibin Jose did his Masters in mechanical engineering at the University of Canterbury and is now process technician at Synlait Milk Ltd.

87. Dr Phillip Anderson completed his PhD in 2007 at the University of Canterbury on the material science of III-nitride semiconductors with a focus on indium nitride. Since then he has co-founded The Energy Collective and Haast Energy Trading which seek to disrupt traditional energy markets via novel energy-tech platforms and renewable driven trading strategies. The businesses serve over 80,000 customers in New Zealand and Australia and employs over 150 staff.

88. Dr Ayoub Abdollahi did his PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of Auckland and worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Physics department. He is now product manager at Total Lab Systems Ltd.

89. Dr Humphrey Feltham did his PhD in chemistry at the University of Otago. He worked at start-up Ligar Technologies, then at nanotechnology research company Amaea, and is now territory manager (technical sales) at Total Lab Systems Ltd.

90. Dr Mark Hunter did his PhD in physics at Victoria University of Wellington and was a founding shareholder at start-up Magritek. He is now senior commercial modeller at Transpower.

91. Lia van den Kerkhof did her Masters in chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington and is now senior research scientist at WSP Research, the research arm of professional engineering firm WSP.

Alumni who previously worked in NZ start-ups

There's a pattern for people to transition through NZ start-ups to other jobs, for example:

92. Dr Kai Chen has a PhD in physics from Victoria University of Wellington and was inventor and advisor for ultrafast spectroscopy start-up Advemto.

93. Dr Anna M. Henning has a PhD in chemistry from Victoria University of Wellington. She worked in MacDiarmid Institute start-up Boutiq and its joint venture Ferronova, before joining WaikatoLink Ltd as commercial specialist. Anna is now a senior investment manager for commercialisation at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

I started in advanced materials because it sounded cool. Now I support commercialisation as it gets new science into the real world and employs young people.

Dr Anna M. Henning Senior Investment Manager for Commercialisation Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

94. Dr Qaisar Latif completed his PhD in physics at the University of Auckland and worked for start-up Engender Technologies Ltd as microfabrication technician for 2.5 years. He now works as a CS competence engineer for Microchip machine maker ASML (in the Netherlands).

95. Dr Sina Safaei completed his PhD in physics at the University of Auckland and spent over a year and a half as an R&D materials scientist and engineer at Hydroxsys, a start-up specialising in the development and production of ultrafiltration membranes. He then took on a postdoctoral fellow position at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, focusing on the simulation of biomolecules at the molecular scale. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University in Belgium, continuing his work on biomolecular simulations.

96. Dr Anindita Sen did her PhD in chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington, spent a year as R&D scientist at DNAiTECH, a biomedical diagnostics, environmental testing and education company and is now a scientist at ESR.

I am passionate about the deep tech sector because it allows me to contribute to groundbreaking innovations that can transform industries and improve lives.

Dr Anindita Sen Scientist Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR)

97. Dr Akshita Wason completed her PhD in biochemistry at the University of Canterbury and worked as product development scientist in biotechnology research start-up Hi-Aspect. She worked at Callaghan Innovation as RDTI engagement team lead and is now a commercialisation associate at the University of Sydney.

98. Dr Hannah Zheng graduated with a PhD in physics from Victoria University of Wellington, worked for 4.5 years at nanofibre technology company NanoLayr (formerly known as Revolution Fibres), firstly as a materials scientist and then as regulatory compliance specialist. She is now regulatory compliance manager at Auckland-based manufacturer The Beauty Lab Collective, one of Australasia's largest skincare manufacturing companies.

Alumni who support the commercialisation ecosystem

99. Dr Erica Cassie did her PhD in physics at Victoria University of Wellington and is currently a patent engineer at AJ Park.

100. Dr Aubrey Dosado did her PhD in chemistry at the University of Auckland and is now a portfolio lead, research funding at the University of Auckland. She is passionate about supporting researchers and navigating the research funding ecosystem.

101. Dr Stephen Lo did a PhD in chemistry and a Master of Bioscience Enterprise, both at the University of Auckland, and is now an investment manager at UniServices (Engineering and Digital Technologies).

102. Dr Michael Love did his PhD in biochemistry at the University of Canterbury and is now a commercialisation advisor at the University.

103. Dr Sneh Patel did her PhD in chemistry at the University of Auckland and then worked for two years as project manager for WeSTEM, an innovative programme for engaging west Auckland ākonga in STEAM run by Te Hononga Akoranga COMET, and is now Community Investment Manager for Genesis School-gen.

104. Dr Komal Raj (Patil) did her PhD in chemistry at the University of Otago and is now employed as a project specialist health & safety management, dangerous goods handler and synthetic and material chemist at the University of Canterbury.

105. Dr Harshpreet Singh did his PhD in chemical and materials engineering at the University of Auckland and is currently senior project lead at the NZ Product Accelerator.