UC engage

UC forms enterprising new partnership with Lincoln University

Science entrepreneurs are to be brought into UC to advise on preparing students for the commercial world and identifying commercial potential in research projects.

The joint UC/ Lincoln University project, “ Building a University Enterprise Culture”, has been awarded $2.4 million from the Tertiary Education Commission's Growth and Innovation Pilot Initiatives.

The two institutions developed the project together because of their complementary biotechnology strengths.

UC’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Town, says the scheme will maximise opportunities for students to learn entrepreneurial skills.

"We are delighted to be working with Lincoln University and local industry in this scheme.

"This scheme fits very nicely with our overarching University aim of engaging extensively with industry to train future innovators who will contribute to the regional and national economy.”

Lincoln University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Chris Kirk, says the project will give both institutions access to knowledge and expertise not always available to them.

“This is a very ambitious programme but we are committed to it. We believe that it will enrich our staff in their teaching and research, and in their interaction with students and companies.

“We’ll know that we have succeeded when our universities show an increase in entrepreneurial activity, including an increase in spin-off companies, more interaction with business generally, richer case studies available for students to learn from, and a more positive attitude towards entrepreneurship.”

The Minister for Tertiary Education Dr Michael Cullen says if New Zealand is going to be transformed into a high wage, knowledge-based economy it must encourage greater collaboration between the tertiary education sector and industry.

“This kind of help increases the chances of commercialising more of our ideas and innovations here in New Zealand,” Dr Cullen says.

He says the government encourages tertiary education organisations and businesses to build connections, share knowledge and expertise, and develop entrepreneurial and commercial skills.