Madeline Sharpe (centre) and Cetogenix marketing team
Work-integrated learning is becoming an increasingly important part of university curricula as industries look to employ graduates who are confident, adaptable and able to contribute from day one. At the University of Waikato, applied learning experiences are embedded across all undergraduate programmes and ensure students develop academic knowledge and practical workplace capability. In Tauranga, our city campus and strong relationships with local businesses provide students with access to high-quality work placement opportunities in an integrated way.
A clear example of this model can be seen in the partnership between cleantech company Cetogenix and University of Waikato Tauranga student Madeline Sharpe. Cetogenix is a New Zealand startup based in Rotorua developing technology that unlocks the potential of organic waste streams to produce renewable carbon resources. Cetogenix is part of a growing regional innovation ecosystem where research, commercial development and sustainability intersect.
Madeline, a marketing major, joined Cetogenix this summer to support strategic communication and market development work. Her placement, supported through the Innovation Services by MBIE R&D Experience Grant and facilitated by Tauranga Business Chamber, enables businesses to bring students into meaningful, project-based roles. Her work includes translating complex scientific concepts into accessible information for industry audiences and potential customers.
I have learned that biotech is my passion,” she says. “Working across different parts of the business has shown me how research and commercial application connect. The work feels purposeful and I am developing skills that will be important for my career.
Cetogenix COO and co-founder Alexandra Stuthridge says student involvement contributes meaningfully to company progress.
“Students bring curiosity, energy and fresh thinking. They take on challenging projects and help us accelerate our work. Madeline has been a fantastic addition to the team. She brings perspectives that strengthen our ability to think creatively and communicate our R&D externally.”
Since 2022 Cetogenix has hosted 14 students across New Zealand. Two have progressed into master’s degrees and one into a PhD, all with industrial focus, with others pursuing opportunities in the deeptech space. Experiences like this demonstrate how applied learning can inspire students towards emerging fields, vital for New Zealand’s low carbon transition and future economic resilience.
Work-integrated learning strengthens the Bay of Plenty’s capability by ensuring students gain real-world experience in sectors important for the region’s growth. As students build confidence, practical skills and industry awareness, businesses benefit from emerging talent and additional capacity to advance new ideas. These collaborations also support the development of a connected regional knowledge precinct where education, research and industry operate in partnership.
This summer, the R&D Experience Grant enabled 76 internships across the region, with approximately one third undertaken by University of Waikato students. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to building a future-ready workforce and supporting the Bay of Plenty’s long-term economic potential.
