KiwiNet appoints new Board leaders to drive NZ research impact
KiwiNet has announced a range of new appointments to its Board, signalling a planned change in leadership and a renewed focus on commercialising research across New Zealand.
Katherine Sandford has taken on the role of Chair of the KiwiNet Board, following the departure of Dr Will Barker. Barker has concluded his seven-year tenure on the Board, including three years as Chair. Sandford, who has served as a director on the Board for the past three years, will now lead the organisation as it enters a period of sector and strategic reform.
Kennie Tsui, the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Geothermal Association, has also joined the Board. Tsui is recognised for her expertise in engineering and energy, and for her leadership within innovation sectors in New Zealand.
A further structural change sees Debra Hall step down as Chair of the KiwiNet Investment Committee after seven years in the role. She is succeeded by Dr Andrew Kelly, currently Executive Director of BioPacific Partners, who brings a long track record in life sciences investment and commercialisation. Dr Kelly will also take a seat on the Board as part of this new phase.
KiwiNet Chief Executive James Hutchinson acknowledged the significant contributions of both Dr Barker and Debra Hall in the development of the organisation and the broader commercialisation landscape.
"Will is a tireless advocate for innovation, and his steady leadership has been instrumental in helping us navigate the changes that have taken place in the last couple of years," says Hutchinson.
Hutchinson also commented on the pivotal role of Hall in shaping KiwiNet's investment strategies and outcomes.
"Likewise, Debra's leadership of the Investment Committee has been pivotal in building KiwiNet's rigorous and collaborative investment approach, supporting ventures to thrive and lifting capability within the sector. In their time with us KiwiNet has invested USD $36M in PreSeed Funding, with 65 start-ups created and over USD $430M in returns generated for New Zealand."
Katherine Sandford expressed enthusiasm at leading KiwiNet during a period where the country's research, science and innovation systems are experiencing significant changes.
"KiwiNet's collaborative model has been invaluable in strengthening expertise, growing entrepreneurship capability, and helping world-class science succeed commercially," says Sandford.
"With the government reforms underway, there is so much potential for New Zealand to become a leader in science innovation if we get it right. I'm honoured to help guide the organisation as we unlock even more impact from our research system."
Kennie Tsui's addition to the Board is expected to provide additional insight and strategic direction, given her background in advancing science-based solutions to complex societal and environmental challenges.
Dr Andrew Kelly, who has worked extensively across the life sciences, agritech and biotechnology sectors, commented on his focus for his new role as Chair of the Investment Committee.
"To fully unlock the economic and societal potential of research innovation in New Zealand, further investment is essential. I'm looking forward to supporting great science and bold innovators on the path to global impact," says Kelly.
KiwiNet operates a collaborative network model designed to accelerate pathways to market for research in New Zealand by providing support, funding, and industry connections. Since its establishment, the organisation has directed USD $74.2M in PreSeed Accelerator Funding, leading to the creation of 102 start-up companies and the generation or maintenance of 864 employment opportunities across the country. KiwiNet's PreSeed-funded projects since 2003 have produced over USD $746M in revenue for New Zealand.
Hutchinson said that ongoing reforms within the science and innovation sector offer significant opportunities for growth.
"We have a unique opportunity to scale New Zealand's research and innovation to create massive economic impact that will last generations. Currently, less than 1% of public science, innovation and technology funding supports this critical capability – the critical bridge that helps these innovations into market. If we want New Zealand to really thrive from our science system, now is the time to invest further to strengthen the bridge so more world-changing innovations can make a difference."
KiwiNet aims to continue broadening its collaborative approach and building the capabilities required to achieve greater impacts from publicly funded research in New Zealand's rapidly evolving innovation landscape.
