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COLLABORATE WITH US

Bring Your Challenge to the Right University Team

Need to solve an R&D problem, test an idea, access specialist facilities or explore a commercial opportunity? Hiko Hub connects you to University of Waikato researchers, equipment, IP, expertise, student talent and partnerships.

Bring Us Your Research Challenge

Whether you need to solve a specific R&D problem, validate a product, access specialist equipment or find a long-term research partner, Hiko Hub helps identify the right University of Waikato researchers, facilities and expertise.

Ways To Work With The University

  • Commission research
    Work with University of Waikato researchers on a defined problem.
  • Access facilities
    Use specialist equipment, labs and technical support for testing, prototyping or applied R&D.
  • Build a research partnership
    Develop a longer-term collaboration around a strategic challenge or opportunity.
  • Explore IP and commercialisation
    Find research-backed technologies and commercial opportunities looking for the right partner.
  • Connect with the innovation community
    Meet founders, investors, researchers and regional partners through events, programmes and shared spaces.

Find Your Pathway

For businesses, founders, investors and commercial partners, Hiko Hub makes it easier to work with the University of Waikato.

FOR ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES AND R&D TEAMS

Solve Technical Problems with University Research Behind You

Validate products, access specialist facilities, commission research or build longer-term R&D partnerships around a defined business challenge.

Research with us
FOR FOUNDERS AND EARLY-STAGE VENTURES

Build With The Expertise You Do Not Have In-house

Access researchers, student talent, commercialisation support and practical guidance to help turn an early idea into something ready to test, fund or launch.

Start a Conversation
FOR INVESTORS AND COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

Find Research-backed Opportunities Ready to Move

Explore University of Waikato IP, emerging technologies and commercial opportunities looking for the right partner, investor or pathway to market.

View IP Opportunities

University Innovations Looking for Partners

University of Waikato researchers are developing technologies and IP across agritech, marine science, health technology, engineering and computing. Some are ready to license. Some need an industry partner. Others are early-stage and need the right business or investor to help shape the direction.

If you’re looking for a commercial edge that’s genuinely hard to replicate, this is worth exploring.

Work Alongside People Building What Comes Next

Hiko Hub brings together businesses, researchers, founders, investors and regional partners working on real commercial and innovation opportunities.

Have A Research Challenge?

Tell us what you are trying to solve. We will help identify the right University of Waikato researchers, facilities or partnership pathway.

Common Questions

Everything you need to know before getting started.

No. Hiko Hub is designed to be your starting point. Tell us what you are working on and we will help identify the right researchers, facilities or pathways.

The University of Waikato has research strength across agritech and engineering, marine science, medical and health, software and computing, business and management, and construction. If your challenge sits outside those areas, get in touch. It’s likely there’s a pathway for you.

It depends on the type of engagement. A co-location arrangement can move quickly. A structured research partnership takes longer to scope. The first step is a conversation. From there we’ll give you a realistic picture of timeframes.

Yes. Hiko Hub supports businesses at different stages, from founders with an idea through to established organisations running active R&D programmes.