A newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will reap benefits for New Zealand entrepreneurs and research.
According to a recent press release, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was in attendance during the signing of the MOU between the Auckland Services at the University of Auckland and Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).
Auckland UniServices is the University’s commercialisation arm.
The partnership is for the development of new and innovative technology opportunities.
The Partnership
The agreement will enable the two parties to significantly increase technological cooperation in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced materials and energy.
The MOU aims to build a framework to encourage close cooperation between students and researchers, and collaboration through exchanges and joint research projects.
As shared by the Chief Executive of Auckland UniServices, the collaboration will bring many more ideas and research to market readiness and beyond.
The partnership will advance technological innovations with a research institute of the highest calibre and reputation.
AIST will provide vital experience and contacts in the local market to give NZ entrepreneurs an edge when trying to leverage opportunities in Japan and other international markets.
The exchange of knowledge will undoubtedly develop ground-breaking technology products that will create jobs and multi-million-dollar revenues for both nations.
Auckland UniServices
Because UniServices shares a similar vision to AIST, they are particularly keen to partner with the Institute in creating new technologies.
This will not only improve the economy but also build a more sustainable and eco-friendly society.
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university, a diverse institute with staff and students from 110 countries.
It is strongly research-led and its key faculties include Engineering, Science, and Medical and Health Science.
Each year, UniServices works on some 1,200 projects with more than 300 New Zealand and global firms.
In 2018, it generated new research contracts worth NZ$ 169.4 million, executed more than 84 patent licences and created 11 businesses to commercialise university research.
Around NZ$ 148 million was raised by UniServices’ spin-out companies in the last five years.
OpenGov Asia recently reported on New Zealand and Japan strengthening their Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
The partnership is founded on common values and strong commitment to peace and security, free trade and investment and sustainable development.
In a challenging and changing global and regional environment, New Zealand and Japan enjoy a stable long-term relationship that in recent years has gone from strength to strength.
The leaders of Japan and New Zealand committed to continuing to implement the Christchurch Call to Action with the aim of eliminating terrorist and violent extremist content online.
