Entrepreneurs with an idea or early stage venture can now increase their chances of success by joining the WaikatoLink Venture Incubator which has just been opened up to local entrepreneurs. WaikatoLink, the commercialisation arm of the University of Waikato, has operated its venture incubator for number of years for ventures based on University of Waikato science and technology.
The incubator, which focuses on high growth technologies in the AgBio, biotechnology and ICT sectors, will now provide wider group of entrepreneurs and start ups access to the expertise, networks, resources and environment that WaikatoLink has built up through successfully incubating its own high growth ventures.
WaikatoLink’s chief executive Mark Stuart says, “Early stage ventures need lot of assistance and the creative talent of our entrepreneurs needs to be nurtured and given the best chance to grow. Our venture incubator has provided great deal of value to our own start-up companies and we are excited to now make it available to other entrepreneurs.”
WaikatoLink currently has number of its own ventures under incubation ranging from Novatein, which creates bioplastics from animal processing waste, to Solenza, novel building integrated solar technology product. Khipu Systems, an IT company in the next stage of development, recently received $1 million cash injection from Endeavour Capital, which has invested in six other WaikatoLink early stage ventures.
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise’s incubator development manager Richard White said, “It’s very encouraging that university with the proven commercialisation record that Waikato has through WaikatoLink, is extending its activities into the incubation of other start-up and early-stage companies. It will help ensure that the high quality research and innovation within the region is converted into commercial success.”
Applications are now open for entrepreneurs who wish to join the WaikatoLink Venture Incubator programme. The first incubator tenants are expected to be in residence by the end of the year.
Information and contact details for the WaikatoLink Venture Incubator can be found online at www.waikatolink.co.nz
