The 18 finalists in the 2026 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards showcased the very best of New Zealand's science-led innovation.
Representing universities, Crown Research Institutes, research organisations and innovative companies, the finalists have transformed world-class research into solutions, creating new ventures, emerging industries, and lasting economic and societal benefit.
In the spotlight this year were advances in drug delivery, space technology, medtech and neurotechnology, low-emission carbon capture, hydrogen-based ironmaking, pasture protection and metering, cellular horticulture, cleantech for industrial and waste processing, and even an 'insect nose on a chip'.
The awards also celebrated the commercialisation professionals, research entrepreneurs and innovative teams helping bring these breakthroughs to market.
KiwiNet CEO Dr James Hutchinson said the finalists are the standout performers of New Zealand's research commercialisation sector, transforming world-class research into innovations that improve lives, strengthen industries and grow the economy.
"These successes do not happen overnight. They are the result of years of deep research, expert commercialisation support and entrepreneurial drive, all focused on getting breakthrough innovations to market. Together, they demonstrate the extraordinary depth of knowledge, talent, ideas and potential we have in New Zealand to create global impact from research discoveries," said Dr Hutchinson.
“With the Government’s recent boost to commercialisation funding, there is an opportunity to back even more of these innovators and high-value businesses to do great things, helping build a more productive, stable, and globally competitive economy.”
The 2026 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards finalists are:
Momentum Student Entrepreneur Award
Mark Campbell – Lensare/ Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury: A bright idea protecting those with light-sensitive conditions
Omar Mourad - NextPlay / Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland: A free-to-play live sports prediction and engagement game
Zac Hemmings - Cluttr/ Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury: Turning household clutter into a business opportunity
Breakthrough Innovator Award
Dr Jake Campbell – Zuuka/ Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury: Making insulin drug delivery work for real life
Dr Imran Khan Niazi – New Zealand College of Chiropractic: Powering commercialisation breakthroughs in neurological research
Dr Dominic Moseley – Paihau-Robinson Research Institute: Supercharging the commercialisation of superconductivity
BNZ Researcher Entrepreneur Award
Dr Linda Johnson – Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao: Turning agricultural research into tools that farmers trust
Prof Matthew Watson – Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury: Driving new industries for a lower-emissions future
Dr David White – New Zealand College of Chiropractic: Breathing new life into accessible health solutions for New Zealanders
KCA Commercialisation Rising Star Award
Dr Dan Carlisle – Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University and Massey Ventures: A committed champion for early commercialisation professionals
Mick Riley – Forever Harvest/ Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao: Making the science of cultivated fruit a commercial reality
Sam Wojcik – Wellington UniVentures: Fostering new ventures and new talent for lasting impact
PwC Breakthrough Project Award
Captivate Technology – Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University and Massey Ventures: Next‑generation materials for industrial carbon capture
Liquium – Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of New Zealand and Wellington UniVentures: A new frontier for industrial ammonia production
Nurox – Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland: Unlocking value from hazardous waste
Scentian Bio – Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao: The future of sensing technology
Cytiva Commercialisation Impact Award
C-Dax Pasture Meter – Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University: Decades of agri-innovation and international impact
Endophyte AR37 – Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao: Market-led endophytes delivering resilient, profitable pastures
The award winners for 2026 will be announced at an evening reception on the 8th of October.
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