Need to test an idea, validate a product, solve a technical problem or explore an R&D opportunity?
Hiko Hub connects businesses with University of Waikato researchers, technical expertise and research pathways that can help move your project forward.
Many business challenges need more than advice. They need the right people, equipment, method and research environment.
Hiko Hub helps identify the University of Waikato researchers, technical staff, facilities and engagement pathway that best match your project. That could mean expert input, contract research, product validation, applied R&D, facility-supported testing or a longer-term research partnership.
We work out the access arrangement with you, based on what your project requires.
Hiko Hub connects businesses with research capability across a broad range of University of Waikato disciplines.
Support for agricultural science, engineering, robotics, prototyping, environmental monitoring, soil science, water quality, food technology and sustainability challenges.
Engineering programmes are internationally accredited under the Washington Accord.
Research expertise in marine ecology, coastal systems, aquaculture, marine bioactives, environmental monitoring and marine survey capability.
This includes capability connected to the MacroAlgal Biotechnologies Group and the NZ Institute for Marine Futures coming to Tauranga.
Support across biomedical research, medical devices, diagnostics, clinical research, health technology and human performance.
The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine joining the Hamilton campus in 2028 will further strengthen the University’s health research capability.
Research capability in computing, AI, machine learning, data analytics, software engineering and applied digital systems.
This includes Waikato-developed research environments such as WEKA, MOA and Te Ipu o te Mahara, the Māori AI research programme.
Applied research and consulting through Waikato Management School and the NZ Institute for Business Research, including financial benchmarking, economic impact analysis and business performance research.
Research capability in structural engineering, materials testing, seismic research, resilient infrastructure and sustainable construction, supported by WaiRISC and industry-connected research programmes.
Hiko Hub connects businesses with research capability across a broad range of University of Waikato disciplines.
Support for agricultural science, engineering, robotics, prototyping, environmental monitoring, soil science, water quality, food technology and sustainability challenges.
Engineering programmes are internationally accredited under the Washington Accord.
Research expertise in marine ecology, coastal systems, aquaculture, marine bioactives, environmental monitoring and marine survey capability.
This includes capability connected to the MacroAlgal Biotechnologies Group and the NZ Institute for Marine Futures coming to Tauranga.
Support across biomedical research, medical devices, diagnostics, clinical research, health technology and human performance.
The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine joining the Hamilton campus in 2028 will further strengthen the University’s health research capability.
Research capability in computing, AI, machine learning, data analytics, software engineering and applied digital systems.
This includes Waikato-developed research environments such as WEKA, MOA and Te Ipu o te Mahara, the Māori AI research programme.
Applied research and consulting through Waikato Management School and the NZ Institute for Business Research, including financial benchmarking, economic impact analysis and business performance research.
Research capability in structural engineering, materials testing, seismic research, resilient infrastructure and sustainable construction, supported by WaiRISC and industry-connected research programmes.
Scale your R&D, validate ideas and access university expertise without building every capability in-house.
You can commission University of Waikato researchers to work on a defined problem.
Contract research can support proof-of-concept work, product validation, applied R&D, technical analysis and commercial research questions.
Some projects need specialist equipment, labs or technical environments.
If your research project requires testing, prototyping, analysis or facility-supported R&D, Hiko Hub can help identify the right University of Waikato facilities and access pathway.
You do not need to know whether you need contract research, expert consulting, facility access, IP licensing, co-investment or a longer-term R&D partnership before you get in touch.
Tell us what you are trying to solve, build, test or understand. Hiko Hub will help you identify the right way to work with the University of Waikato.
Bring us your challenge, idea or R&D goal. We will help identify the right University of Waikato expertise, facilities or research pathway for your project.
One conversation is enough to get started.
Get in touch with a brief description of your challenge, project, idea or R&D goal.
Hiko Hub maps your needs to the right researchers, expertise, facilities and engagement pathway at the University of Waikato.
We work with you and the relevant university team to agree on scope, timing, access arrangements and next steps.
Your project gets underway with support from University of Waikato researchers, technical staff or commercialisation specialists.
Yes. Some research projects may involve specialist facilities or equipment. Hiko Hub can help you explore the right access pathway based on your project scope and requirements.
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, expertise or pathways.
Yes. Hiko Hub supports businesses at different stages, from early-stage start-ups through to established organisations with active R&D programmes.
Yes. For organisations with long-term or high-volume research needs, co-investment in research infrastructure may be an option. Talk to us and we can help explore what is possible.
