Tell us what you are looking for
Tell us your goal, interest area or commercial challenge. You do not need to know the exact technology or researcher yet.
Access technology already researched, tested and validated
IP LICENSING & COMMERCIALISATION
Turn University Research Into Your Commercial Opportunity
Looking for research-backed technology, university IP or an early-stage opportunity with commercial potential? Hiko Hub helps you explore what is available, connect with the right people and understand how to take it further.
Explore University IP Opportunities
University research can become much more than an academic discovery.
It can become a licensed technology, a new product, a commercial partnership, a start-up opportunity or a co-developed solution shaped with industry from the beginning.
Hiko Hub helps you explore what is available, what stage it is at, who it may suit and what the next step could look like.
A growing portfolio of University of Waikato technologies spans health, agritech, advanced imaging, marine science, animal health, engineering and computing.
How It Works For You
One conversation is enough to get started.
We identify the right approach
We help identify the best fit, from IP licensing and co-development to consulting, research or investment.
We make the connection
We connect you with the right researchers, commercialisation contacts and technical experts at the University of Waikato.
You get clear next steps
Agreements are structured around the opportunity, with scope, timelines, responsibilities and IP ownership discussed upfront.
Get Specialist Advice Before You Commit
Need a specific answer before taking the next step?
Engage University of Waikato academics and research teams for technical assessment, regulatory advice, feasibility analysis, due diligence or specialist input.
Consulting is structured as a commercial engagement, with clear scope, deliverables and expectations from the start.
Help Build What Does Not Exist Yet
For businesses looking to develop something new, co-investment in University of Waikato research programmes is one option worth exploring.
Define the problem, co-fund the research and agree commercial rights from the outset. This gives you a chance to shape the work early and build a commercial edge that is genuinely hard to replicate.
The Hiko difference
What IP Licensing Could Do For Your Business
Licensing University of Waikato IP can help you access technology that has already been researched, tested or validated, then commercialise it faster than starting from zero.
Technologies Available Right Now
University of Waikato researchers are developing technologies and IP across multiple sectors. Here are examples seeking the right commercial partner.
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
BrainTuner
A non-invasive wearable using focused ultrasound and EEG to enhance decision-making, improve well-being and optimise cognitive performance under pressure.
Early Stage
Provisional Patent
Seeking Partner
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
eSentinel: Enhancing Biodiversity and Biosecurity with Terrestrial eDNA
A terrestrial eDNA platform that enhances biosecurity surveillance, species detection and community biodiversity assessment across natural and managed environments.
Biodiversity Monitoring
Biosecurity
Licensing Available
Seeking Partner
AQUACULTURE
Flatfish Aquaculture: Yellow-belly Flounder
Advanced aquaculture research for New Zealand yellow-belly flounder, seeking industry and investment partners to accelerate commercial development.
Industry Collaboration
Research Backed
Sustainable Seafood
MEDICAL IMAGING
In Utero fNIRS
A fetal neuromonitoring technology that measures cerebral oxygenation in utero, enabling non-invasive research into fetal brain development, sensory processing and early cognition.
Licensing Available
Medical Devices
Seeking Partner
LANGUAGE TECHNOLOGY
Indigenous Language Text-To-Speech Synthesiser
A culturally governed voice AI platform that preserves Indigenous languages and dialects while enabling education, accessibility and digital engagement.
Indigenous Innovation
Licensing Available
Platform Technology
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Marine-Sourced Herbicides
A marine bioactive discovery platform advancing novel herbicidal compounds for next-generation crop protection.
Natural Products
Research Backed
Seeking Partner
ADVANCED BIOMATERIALS
Natural Fibre Reinforced Biocomposites for 3D Printing
A biocomposite materials platform delivering sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics for 3D printing and manufacturing applications.
Circular Manufacturing
Industry Collaboration
Licensing Available
FOOD INNOVATION
New Zealand Ulva-Based Foods and Functional Ingredients
Innovative food products and functional ingredients derived from New Zealand-grown Ulva seaweed for sustainable nutrition, gut microbiome health and high-value food applications.
Commercial Pathway
Industry Ready
Research Backed
ANIMAL HEALTH
Next-Generation Antibodies For Animal Health
Fc-engineered antibodies with extended circulation half-life, with potential applications across vaccines and monoclonal therapeutics for animal health.
PCT Filed
Proof of Concept
Trials Underway
SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
Novel Enzymes for Synthetic Biology
A novel enzyme platform designed to work with xeno nucleic acids (XNAs), enabling next-generation synthetic biology, biomanufacturing and biotechnology applications.
Deep Tech
Early Stage
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Personalised AI for Human–Computer Interfaces
A personalised AI platform that adapts to individual users, delivering tailored interactions and decision support across education, healthcare and future robotics applications.
AI Platform
Human-Centred Design
MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY
Scalable High-Performance Marine Polysaccharides
A scalable seaweed-derived polysaccharide platform enabling the development of high-value nutraceutical, plant health and animal health products.
Research Backed
Seeking Partner
ADVANCED IMAGING
WAILight IntelliScan
A closed-loop AI imaging system using tunable LED light sources to maximise spectral contrast in real time, helping visual inspection see what would otherwise be hidden.
Licensing Available
Research Backed
Backed By One Of New Zealand's Leading Research Universities
Find The Right Commercialisation Route
Confidential conversations are welcome. Tell us your commercial goal, and we’ll help you explore whether University IP or expertise could support it.
