Engineering, Design & Advanced Materials

Kei ō tātou ringaringa te ao

The world is ours to behold

Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, is home to New Zealand’s leading Faculty of Engineering and Design, along with a strong ecosystem of researchers delivering world-class research across areas such as wireless charging, flexible and printed electronics, advanced materials, and sustainable energy technologies. Researchers in the Faculties of Science and Medical and Health Sciences also have deep expertise in applied physical sciences, bioengineering, and materials innovation, translating fundamental research into real-world applications.

Transdisciplinary research is supported through specialist centres including the Space Institute | Te Pūnaha Ātea, the Transportation Research Centre, and the Centre for Advanced Materials and Design. The University also hosts nationally significant infrastructure, such as the National Satellite Test Facility, enabling advanced testing, prototyping, and commercial-scale validation.

UniServices supports the translation of this research into market through the creation and growth of spin-out companies. These include Tectonus, which develops earthquake-resilient structural systems; Quantifi Photonics, a global supplier of photonics test and measurement solutions; PowerON, which is enabling robots to interact more safely with the physical world through soft-touch sensing; Cirrus Materials Science, which produces advanced coatings using more sustainable processes; and Zenno Astronautics, which is developing next-generation superconducting electromagnets for spacecraft attitude control and propulsion.

Case Studies

Tectonus: Building seismic resilience

Tectonus: Building seismic resilience

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Vortex Power Systems: Revolutionary green energy

Vortex Power Systems: Revolutionary green energy

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Cirrus Materials Science: Better, cleaner coatings

Cirrus Materials Science: Better, cleaner coatings

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All case studies

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Investment Portfolio

UniServices has helped launch more than 65 deep tech companies based on University research. Check out the start-ups we’ve invested in.

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Our Collaborators

Whether you’re a researcher, entrepreneur, investor, government, business, iwi, student, community or other organisation, learn how we can partner with you.

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Advancing Research

UniServices helps researchers in areas such as securing funding, connecting people, developing capacity and applying research commercially or for public good.

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Environment & Cleantech

Sustainability-focused research and cleantech are essential to all of our futures. Learn how UniServices is helping advance green research and its application.

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News and Features

Leading the world in wireless power transfer innovation

Leading the world in wireless power transfer innovation

09 February 2023

If there’s any area where Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has changed the world, it’s in the development of wireless power transfer technology.

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Making geothermal energy truly sustainable

Making geothermal energy truly sustainable

09 September 2022

With more than $6 million in new MBIE funding, University of Auckland researchers are working to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of geothermal energy.

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Cleaning wastewater and producing fertiliser at the same time

Cleaning wastewater and producing fertiliser at the same time

13 April 2022

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland researchers aim to pilot a process to extract a safe, clean fertiliser from wastewater on an industrial scale.

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Building a full-service space science centre

Building a full-service space science centre

30 August 2021

The Space Institute – Te Pūnaha Ātea – has a vision: to become New Zealand’s leading centre for building and operating small satellites.

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Engineering & Materials Contacts

Catherine Qualtrough

Partnerships and Innovation Manager – Space and Advanced Tech

More about Catherine

Catherine Qualtrough leads strategic partnerships and innovation across the space and advanced technologies portfolio at UniServices. With a background in physics and astrophysics, including graduate study at the University of Cambridge, she brings expertise in research, operations, science communication, and cross-sector collaboration. Catherine works across research, industry, and government to build national capability and deliver impact. She is Board Secretary of Aerospace New Zealand and Aerospace Auckland, and is committed to strengthening collaboration and advancing Aotearoa’s innovation ecosystem.

Luke Spencer

Partnerships & Innovation Manager - Digital and Automation

More about Luke

Luke has been with UniServices since 2022, creating partnerships for University researchers with industry and government. Previously, Luke worked as the CTO of a growing electronic and software consultancy, turning innovative ideas into commercial products. Contact about: Research or consulting in digital tech, electronics, automation, space, and engineering-related technologies.

Benjamin Pearson

Investment Director - CleanTech and Space

More about Ben

Ben joined UniServices in 2017 and is currently a Director of Investment for the University of Auckland Inventors Fund. Contact about: Investment in engineering-related technologies including in cleantech, robotics and space.