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Health Research and Medical Innovation

The University of Waikato’s health research capability is broad, clinically connected, and growing. Hiko Hub gives health and medical businesses a direct route in — to researchers, clinical networks, and expertise that can accelerate your work.

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Research That Reaches Patients

Ranked #1 in New Zealand for research impact, the University of Waikato has health research that goes well beyond the lab. The Medical Research Centre is a joint initiative between the University and Waikato District Health Board, embedding researchers directly alongside clinical teams. It is a leading centre for epidemiological research in cancer, diabetes, primary care, and rural health.

The Division of Health extends that reach further, with active research programmes in medicine, pharmacy and biomedical sciences, nursing and midwifery, and public health.

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Solve Medical and Health Challenges

Whether you’re developing a health product, validating a clinical application, or looking for research partners to address a specific challenge, the University of Waikato has the people and networks to help.

Research strengths relevant to health and medical industry include:

  • Cancer, diabetes, and primary care research
  • Virology, protein engineering, and machine learning
  • Pharmacy and biomedical sciences
  • Nursing, midwifery, and allied health
  • Public health, equity, and population health
  • Rural and regional health
  • Clinical epidemiology and outcomes research
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Industries We Work With

Agritech & Engineering

Agricultural science, engineering and environmental research to stay ahead on emissions and efficiency.

Marine Science

Marine ecology, aquaculture and biotechnology research, based right in Tauranga.

Medical & Health

Clinical networks and biomedical expertise alongside Waikato District Health Board.

Software & Computer Engineering

World-leading AI, cybersecurity and software research, home of WEKA.

Business & Management

Triple Crown-accredited research, consulting and industry partnerships.

Construction

Resilient infrastructure research through WaiRISC and industry partners.

The Opportunity in Health and Medical Research Right Now

New Zealand’s health system is under pressure — workforce shortages, an ageing population, and rising rates of long-term conditions are all creating urgent demand for innovation. At the same time, the University of Waikato is building one of the country’s most significant new health infrastructure investments.

The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine opens in 2028, focused on training doctors for primary care in rural and regional communities. Businesses that build research relationships now will be positioned to benefit from that growing capability.

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Work with Waikato’s Medical & Health Research Community

Four ways to work with the University of Waikato’s health and medical research capability.

Connect with the Ecosystem

Hiko Hub is where the Waikato innovation community comes together. Sector events, investor evenings, and industry roundtables — open to members and guests. You don't need to be based on campus to be part of it.
See what's happening

Research Partnerships

Connect with University of Waikato health research expertise, IP, and clinical networks through clear pathways: contract research, expert consulting, IP licensing, and strategic R&D partnerships.
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Research Facilities

Access specialist biomedical and health science facilities, analytical equipment, and applied research infrastructure at the University of Waikato — with technical expert support included.
Access Our Facilities

Co-location

Base your health or medical business on the University of Waikato campus — within reach of research institutes, clinical networks, and the Waikato Hospital campus. Proximity builds the partnerships that matter.
Find a Space

Start the Conversation

Tell us what you’re working on. We’ll identify the right researchers, facilities, and clinical networks inside the University of Waikato.

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