The University of Auckland’s new Innovation Institute China (UAIIC) will provide unprecedented access to an extensive range of networks, research and funding opportunities in China.

The University of Auckland’s knowledge transfer company, UniServices, has established the institute in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. It is due to formally open in the first quarter of 2017 and will focus on collaboration.

The Innovation Institute will allow the University of Auckland, UniServices and its partners to:
• Develop stronger local relationships in China with local and central government, Chinese universities and research institutes, Chinese companies and international companies with a presence in China.
• Provide access to a wider range of public and private good funding opportunities in China to support research at the University of Auckland.
• Improve market knowledge and market access, allowing the University to undertake a wider scope of projects across China.
“By developing a wholly foreign owned entity in Hangzhou, China, we are enhancing our position in the world innovation ecosystem,” says Dr Lisbeth Jacobs, General Manager- International Auckland UniServices.

“It will enable a safe pathway for international clients who have a desire to undertake research in China with the University of Auckland.”

University of Auckland researchers will have access to the facilities when the building is completed enabling closer collaborations with Chinese universities, government agencies and commercial partners.

“Both Auckland UniServices and the University of Auckland have extensive relationships and collaborations in China, and we look forward to the outstanding research and commercialisation work we will do together,” says UniServices CEO Andy Shenk.

“The University of Auckland and Auckland UniServices support economic growth locally and internationally through innovation and entrepreneurship, creating quality jobs and high-value businesses, producing graduates and spin-out companies that contribute to and strengthen our economy and society, to the benefit of all. The establishment of the University of Auckland Innovation Institute, China is an example of our commitment to achieving these goals.”

Footnote:
Many University of Auckland academics are also inventors and entrepreneurs. According to The Reuters Top 75 list of Asia’s most innovative universities in 2016, the University of Auckland ranks as the most innovative university in Australasia. It has also been recognised by the MIT Skoltech Initiative as one of the five emerging world-leading universities in entrepreneurship.