WaikatoLink opens commercialisation pathway into China

26 September 2008
WaikatoLink, the commercialisation and technology transfer company of the University of Waikato, has set the foundation for more effective market access into China by entering into a partnership with their equivalent at one of China's top universities, Tsinghua University.

The partnership will see WaikatoLink and Coway International Techtrans Co, which is responsible for technology commercialisation and management of Tsinghua University's scientific and technological achievements, collaborate on commercialisation projects.

The collaboration will open up many market opportunities for New Zealand technologies in China as Coway has the expertise and partnerships required to penetrate the market. The sharing of expertise, networks and IP will flow both ways and WaikatoLink will assist Coway to enter new markets.

Mark Stuart, Chief Executive at WaikatoLink, said "This collaboration represents a major step forward in taking New Zealand technologies into the Chinese market."

"We have a very strong partner in Coway. They have the local knowledge, networks and experience that will allow us to streamline Chinese market entry for our technologies.

"We are also keen to work with other New Zealand parties who wish to commercialise technologies through the pathway we have set up."

Coway is the largest professional technology transfer company in China. It assists overseas parties with guidance on relevant laws and regulations, IP protection in China, opportunity assessment, technology market development, venture capital raising, contract research and technology commercialisation pathways.

The collaboration is the result of meeting at the China-NZ Technology Commercialisation Networking Forum held in Beijing earlier in the year. Mr Stuart was invited to speak on best practice in commercialisation in New Zealand and Tsinghua presented on best practice in China.

A delegation of 65 researchers from New Zealand accompanied Minister for Research, Science and Technology Pete Hodgson to take part in a series of Science to Market events. A key objective was to show New Zealand's commitment to collaborating with China in scientific fields, after the signing of historic free trade agreement.

The collaboration paves the way for significant scientific co-operation between WaikatoLink and Tsinghua University. It is anticipated the first collaborative project will begin next month.