Programme

Registration open

Welcome

Keynote speaker 

Professor Bev Lawton

Victoria University of Wellington

New Zealander of the Year 2025

Panel: TTM Exec

Morning Tea

Session 2: Health by Design

Design for Manufacturing - when and how in the development process.

Jesse Kieth, Vivid Origin

Tauki Kai

Hadyn Pomana, Turanga Health

The Changing Landscape of Primary Youth Mental Health in Aotearoa: Increasing Risk, Complexity, and Youth-Led Solutions

Liz Hosking-Clement, Youthline

Youthline is at the forefront of primary youth mental health, responding to rising distress, suicidality, and complexity among rangatahi. Drawing on insights from the 2023 State of the Generation report and insights across our services, this presentation examines the challenges faced by young people, including the complexities of navigating the digital world and social media. With a strong focus on innovation, we’re also looking to explore digital solutions to help us deliver accessible, culturally responsive, and youth-informed mental health support at scale.

Cancer Society of New Zealand

• Christelle Jolly - Director of Research and Innovation

• Martin Witt – Research Manager

Lunch

Session 3: Insight to Impact

Fireside Chat: Dr Ainsleigh Cribb-Su'a

Director of Research and Innovation at National Hauora Coalition

Why diabetes? Aligning your innovation strategy with the needs of people living with diabetes

Dr Helen Lunt

RAP Lessons Learnt

Now three years into the Research Acceleration Programme, hear from members of the executive team to understand common mistakes, strategies for success, and their vision for the next three years. 

• Dr Khoon Lim, University of Sydney

• Lance Chia, Liverpool Innovation Precinct

• Rebecca Warr, University of Canterbury

• Jon Herries, Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora

Facilitated by Dr James McKeage, University of Auckland.

Afternoon Tea

Session 4: Translating Innovation

Investor Perspectives

Explore global investment trends in health technology and gain insights into the evolving landscape of innovation and funding. 

• Byron van Vugt, Movac

• Lari Dkhar, NZGCP

• Vignesh Kumar, GD1

• XB Pang, WNT Ventures

Facilitated by Sunny Feng, co-founder of RosterLab.

Table Talks

Select a key topic for discussion and engage with an expert in a table talk session, where you can ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from others in an interactive setting. Topics include:

• Community Research

• Horizon Europe

• Intellectual Property - Commercialising University IP

• Investment

• Regulations

• Research Acceleration Programme (RAP)

Formal conference ends

Research Exchange

10 Symonds Street, B201 Atrium, University of Auckland Faculty of Arts and Education.

Join us for an evening session highlighting Aotearoa New Zealand's latest health technologies and innovations in the pipeline. The Research Exchange features start-ups and research projects from across the country showcasing their innovative technologies, plus hear from 5 early-stage projects as they pitch for the chance to win $80,000.

Research Exchange closes