Meet the Speakers of Kotahi Rima
Director, Lodestone NZ Ltd
Anna works in sector development and innovation across the primary industries, and in regional economic development. She has a reputation for being practical and results driven. Anna helps clients to develop ideas into investable propositions, and nurture innovation through the pre-revenue stages of product development. Her knowledge spans industry, government, consumer, iwi, and community perspectives. She is known for her ability to solve problems, bridge gaps and build effective working relationships.
Commercialisation Manager, Massey Ventures Ltd
Dan is a Commercialisation Manager at Massey Ventures with a PhD in Marketing from Massey University. Dan oversees the University's commercialisation pipeline and manages a portfolio of active projects. Prior to joining the team, Dan was a research associate at Consumer Insights Ltd with experience in branding, market validation, and graphic design. Dan also sits on the Manawatū Momentum Investment Committee, KiwiNet Pipeline Committee, and is a co-founder of Nexus, an initiative supporting emerging commercialisation professionals.
Commercialisation Manager, Otago Innovation Ltd
Deanna completed her PhD in Anatomy/Neuroscience (2021) investigating novel therapeutics for recovery following stroke. She continued her research career working as an ARF differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into neurons to investigate the neuronal biology and function of neurodevelopmental disorders.
In early 2020, Dee joined the Return on Science Otago Momentum Investment Committee and discovered she has a passion for critically thinking about start-ups and their opportunities for commercial success. Following the completion of her PhD, Dee joined the Otago Innovation team - along with continued involvement in the Return on Science programme joining both the Biotech & Pharma, and Medtech & Surgery Investment Committees.
Commercialisation Manager, Massey Ventures Ltd
Ella joined Massey Ventures after university, graduating with a Bachelor of Business majoring in International Business and Strategic Communication. Ella works with Massey Ventures Entities, manages the Student Investment Fund, and has a portfolio of projects across human health, animal health and welfare, and agritech. She is passionate about start-ups, enterprise, and commercialisation and sits on the Manawatū Momentum Investment Committee. Ella is about to adopt some chickens and is looking forward to fresh eggs every morning.
Programme Director, Momentum
Graham is an accomplished strategic thinker and executive manager with over 20 years of leadership experience in the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. He is deeply committed to driving collaboration and delivering significant high-impact outcomes, both domestically and internationally. Graham is a skilled and experienced professional who excels at building strong relationships and driving results. He has a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship and has a track record of success in helping startups and established companies navigate complex challenges and achieve their goals. With his expertise in strategic thinking, business development, and entrepreneurship, Graham is a sought-after speaker and thought leader who inspires audiences around the world.
Managing Partner - Matū
Greg is involved in the commercialisation of novel and scientific technologies through his investment fund Matū. This fund invests in early-stage innovative ideas suitable for disrupting large global markets. Greg has vast experience in CEO or Executive roles in large public multi-national companies both in NZ and internationally. Greg is member of several Momentum and Return On Science Committees.
Director, ISpy Nits
Kate is Chief Nit Picker and the brains behind ISpy Nits. She has worked in the schools and community engagement sector for over 20 years, creating and establishing connections between rangitahi, senior education leaders, community groups, and the university. Kate and ISpy have won several awards via the university's entrepreneurship programmes, with ISpy recently invested in by UniServices in 2023 following presentations to the Auckland Momentum Investment Committee and then to the Return On Science Biotech & Pharma Investment Committee. They are now set to launch into Australia by end of 2024.
Director, ŌRUA
Whaititiri ki te rangi, Te Arawa ki te whenua. Matangireia blends his upbringing in Māori arts and education with his architectural expertise. As one of the managing Directors of ŌRUA (Kura o Rua), he brings six years of architectural experience, culminating in a Master of Architecture First Class Honors (Prof) from AUT. His academic achievements include winning the 2022 NZIA Resene Student Design Award, presented entirely in te reo Māori. Matangireia's professional journey engaged in diverse projects across commercial, residential, and civic sectors. His ability to interpret kōrero and navigate sacred realms ensures each project embodies cultural richness and relevance.
Founder and CEO, Endosoothe
Monique is the 2023 Momentum Student Entrepreneur of the Year. She is CEO and founder of Endosoothe, a startup with mission is to redefine the menstrual experience. Monique has a degree in Chemical Formulation from the University of Canterbury and a strong passion for women's health and entrepreneurship. She is currently studying her Masters at the University of Canterbury and sits on the Canterbury Momentum Investment Committee as a valued member.
CEO and Co-Founder, Opo Bio
Olivia is co-founder and CEO of Opo Bio, Aotearoa’s first cultivated meat startup. Olivia has a PhD in food biochemistry from the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau and spent three years working as a Research Fellow at the University of Canterbury. She is an expert judge in the XPRIZE Feed The Next Billion competition and has a background in Venture Capital. Olivia is passionate about the future of food and making real world impact through science.
PhD student, University of Auckland
Paraone studied commerce and engineering at the University of Auckland. He plans to use the knowledge from his commerce degree to help him in his carving endeavours and plans to use the knowledge from his engineering degree never again. He started his PhD in March looking at technology in Māori wood carving and is also building a compulsory first year paper for the Faculty of Engineering. Paraone is passionate about creating opportunities for young Māori in tertiary education and hopes to leave a legacy of authenticity and excellence in both engineering and Māori art. He worked as an analyst for UniServices in 2022 and has tried and failed to get away ever since.
E rere kau an ngā mihi ki a koutou!
He mokopuna tēnei nō Te Arawa rātou ko Ngāti Whakaaue, ko Ngāti Awa. I tipu ake au i raro i te korowai manaaki o Aoraki ki Te Wai Pounamu.
Rosa started being an activist at kura when she was one of the only Māori ākonga in her year and had to quickly learn the complexities of inequity and colonialism. She has been a part of the Māori student movement in her time in tertiary but always return true to her comfort of using art to create activism. Rosa is a poet, a kaihaka, a community server, a māra kai creator, and lover of pūrākau! Rosa is one of the rangatahi partners in the kaupapa Generation Kāinga alongside Pūrangakura and also a part of a fellowship called Narratives for change focusing on decolonisation and transformation in our communities
Investment Director – Digital Technologies and Engineering, Auckland UniServices Ltd
Stephen’s role at UniServices is on the utilisation and management of the University of Auckland Inventors Fund which provides investment into ventures from staff and students of the University of Auckland. He is responsible for the Engineering, Materials and Digital Technologies portfolios. Previous to UniServices, Stephen spent 5 years with the Foundation for Research Science and Technology as a Business Manager working with New Zealand businesses seeking R&D funding through the Technology New Zealand funding schemes. Other roles have included Finance Analyst for NZ Post’s Auckland Mail Centres as well as 4 years working in various financial roles in London in the late 1990s/early 2000s. He has an MSc(Tech) in Geology and Oceanography from the University of Waikato.
Strategy and Development Advisor, New Zealand Story
Tim is a Strategy and Development Advisor at New Zealand Story, working on cross-sector strategic projects across the organisation, NZ Inc agencies and the private sector. Tim has held several roles in business strategy, trade, and investment in New Zealand and internationally. He previously worked at New Zealand Trade & Enterprise in Auckland and London, and was the content director for the APEC CEO Summit 2021, hosted by New Zealand. He also works as a consultant with large multinationals across the life sciences that are looking to collaborate, acquire or invest in New Zealand innovation for their product pipeline.
Lecturer, AUT University
Toiroa is of Te Whakatōhea, Ngāi Tai, and Te Whānau ā Apanui descent. He lecturers at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Within AUT’s Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies, he specialises in documentary filmmaking, utilising indigenous storytelling to showcase te reo and mātauranga Māori. Toiroa draws his inspiration from his whānau and community. Outside of academia, he dedicates his free time to his hometown of Ōpōtiki, fostering strong connections and nurturing his passion for educating the next generation.
Arataki Whaneketanga Haumi - Investment Development Lead, Auckland UniServices Ltd
Tori's work focuses on Māori/Indigenous pathways. In her role, Tori assists in the indigenisation of Commercialisation and Investment, aiming to enable Indigenous IP to be owned, innovated, and developed. With a background in Criminal Justice and Arts (Sociology & Psychology) from the University of Canterbury, Tori is a young Māori leader passionate about integrating young Indigenous People into the innovation ecosystem. Tori has experience in bringing rangatahi (young people) into this space and has served in various leadership roles, including Chair of the Canterbury Momentum Investment Committee, and as the first Māori Chair/President of the University of Canterbury Students Association. Tori also Chairs the Arowhenua Māori School Board and serves as a Trustee of the Science Alive! Board, working to create pathways for youth in STEAM.
Exceutive Director - Investment, Auckland UniServices Ltd
Will has been Executive Director - Investment at UniServices since 2005. During this time UniServices has transacted more than 300 licensing deals, started more than 50 companies and raised over $150 million in venture and seed funding for these companies, and has successfully exited a number of these. He is also the manager for the University of Auckland Inventors Fund, a $40m evergreen fund dedicated to start ups generated by staff and students at the University of Auckland.
He set up the TransTasman Commercialisation Fund, a A$30 million seed fund with four Australian Universities and sat on the Investment Committee of the fund. Will is a director of a number of start-up companies. He set up and is responsible for the direction of Return On Science which is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Economic Development’s Commercialisation Partner Network and helped found Momentum. He has been a speaker at a number of international Technology Transfer events including the Association of Technology Managers in the US (AUTM) and BioEurope.
Previously, Will has had extensive senior commercial experience in businesses in Europe, Asia, and New Zealand where he held executive positions at a number of companies including Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Celltech, and Wolters Kluwer.
Consultant, Aquaculture Innovations and Technologies
Will is a marine farmer, scientist, and entrepreneur. Having grown up in, on and around the ocean Will has a real passion for the sea and how we as humans interact with it. During his time completing his PhD at the University of Auckland in whitebait nutrition and larval development, working with Monentum and Return on Science helped build a new perspective on how the commercialisation of science can create new opportunities and positive change. Will's focus is in food production, where he is currently developing new aquaculture technologies and ventures.
