Programme

Registration open

Welcome

Keynote speaker 

Professor Bev Lawton

Victoria University of Wellington

New Zealander of the Year 2025

Morning Tea

Session 2: Mega-Trends

More speakers to be announced in session 2. 

Investor Perspectives

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

Facilitated by Sunny Feng, co-founder of RosterLab.

Cancer Society of New Zealand

• Christelle Jolly - Director of Research and Innovation

• Martin Witt – Research Manager

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

Dr Helen Lunt, Specialist Diabetes Physician and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Otago

Lunch

Session 3: Insight to Impact

Fireside Chat: Dr Ainsleigh Cribb-Su'a

Director of Research and Innovation at National Hauora Coalition

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. 

Facilitated by Dr James McKeage, University of Auckland.

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.

Afternoon Tea

Session 4: Health by Design

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

Jesse Kieth, Vivid Origin

Tūranga Health

A case study of community empowerment.

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

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.

Formal conference ends

Research Exchange

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.

Interested in the opportunity to exhibit your technology at a dedicated stand, to engage with attendees including industry leaders and potential collaborators, and gather valuable feedback? Submit your expression of interest here

Research Exchange closes