Launched at the University’s Hamilton campus in May 2024, Hiko Hub has established itself as a vibrant co-working space for businesses through hot desking, bookable meeting rooms, and dedicated office tenancies.
In that time, businesses from a range of industries have joined Hiko Hub and an ecosystem of collaboration has developed through student internships, graduate appointments, and research connections.
A recent article on technology company Exaba, which has been at Hiko Hub since it opened in 2024, highlights the way proximity with the University can drive growth outcomes. Founded by Waikato alumni Peter Boyle (CEO) and Dr Stuart Inglis (CTO), Exaba is redefining how the world thinks about data storage and distributed cloud technology. Through internships, part-time roles, and supervised research projects, more than 30 students are currently gaining hands-on experience with Exaba’s product and technology teams.
Building on these solid foundations, University Director - Commercial and Business Partnerships, Dr Florian Spoerl, says Hiko Hub is now evolving into a model that is intently focused on research and commercial impact.
“It’s time to step into a space where we are focused on local opportunities and challenges, driving research and impact together with business in both Hamilton and Tauranga. We want to capitalise on the connections we have with our research facilities and students, and create an expanded model that delivers tangible, impactful outcomes.”
Dr Spoerl outside Hiko Hub Tauranga
Dr Spoerl explains the funding landscape for research is changing, with the government putting greater emphasis on the commercial impact of research.
“The evolution of Hiko Hub will facilitate this. We have the expertise, specialised facilities, IP and commercialisation support to build an innovation community that will move ideas from concept to outcome,” says Dr Spoerl.
A key advancement in the model is the opening of a second Hiko Hub at the University’s Tauranga campus at 143 Durham Street within the city centre. Delivered in partnership with the region’s economic agency Priority One, Hiko Hub Tauranga is designed to help businesses tap into university expertise and connect the University into the Bay of Plenty innovation ecosystem.
Hiko Hub Tauranga is located at 143 Durham Street
Jointly-appointed Priority One and University of Waikato Innovation Manager, Shane Stuart, says the space will create a central point that will enhance existing University R&D and student connections in the region as well as being a clear gateway for organisations who want to engage but aren’t sure how.
“Hiko Hub Tauranga will be the dedicated connection point for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and established businesses to access the knowledge and expertise of the University’s researchers and students. At the same time it will expose our staff and students to regional industries, increasing their focus on problem solving and skill development aligned to their needs and the rapidly changing business environment says Mr Stuart.
“There will also be the direct connection to Priority One's networks, and Western Bay of Plenty economic development programmes.”
Hiko Hub Tauranga’s first tenants include Hamilton-based technology consultancy One Two Seven, local technology venture capital firm WNT Ventures and agritech-focused venture capital firm Sprout Agritech.
One Two Seven CEO David Duffy says establishing a permanent Tauranga presence is a natural next step for the business. The move will extend One Two Seven’s existing relationship with the University of Waikato’s Hiko Hub Hamilton, where it has been based for the past two years working closely with the University across technology, innovation and talent development initiatives.
Mr Duffy says the expansion reflects the company’s continued growth and its belief that technology consulting delivers the best outcomes when specialist capability is combined with strong local relationships and on-site collaboration.
“We have seen first-hand the value of bringing technology businesses, researchers, students and industry together at Hiko Hub Hamilton. We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the same kind of innovation ecosystem in Tauranga.”
Organisations interested in engaging with the University can get in touch via the Hiko Hub website.
