About Us
What is the CFI and what do we do?
A World Class Research and Development Facility
The Centre for Innovation is a major laboratory and research facility in the heart of the University of Otago campus in Dunedin, New Zealand. Dedicated to assisting researchers, inventors and innovative companies, it was the first purpose-built biotechnology incubation facility in New Zealand.
Its primary function is to facilitate the development of commercial applications via collaborations between University and industry researchers, student entrepreneurs, and academic researchers on campus, by providing an innovative environment for the rapid development of new products and processes.
The 4000-square- metre building, made up of 28 research suites, houses a cluster of knowledge based enterprises within a city that has a distinctive reputation for fostering innovators, especially the development of biotechnology and IT companies.
The Centre for Innovation is home to the Research & Enterprise office of the University, and Otago Innovation Limited. It is the centre of the University’s commercialisation activities.
The Research & Enterprise Office co-ordinates and facilitates the research effort of the University of Otago. Research Advisors work with University researchers to refine the quality of their competitive grant applications and manage the grant allocations. Research Marketing Managers identify and protect University discoveries with commercial potential, and facilitate relationships with innovative companies in order to promote stronger research collaborations with University Researchers.
Otago Innovation Limited (OIL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Otago, charged with exclusive responsibility for the commercialisation of intellectual property arising from research within the University.
How we Work
The Centre for Innovation will support rapidly developing research areas that are attractive to industry partners.
Co-location of inter disciplinary research areas within the Centre for Innovation environment will facilitate and encourage mixing and integration.
- A company or inventor can lease a suite from one month to an agreed reviewable period to develop concepts from pure and applied research through incubation to start-up of a new venture.
- The Centre promotes networking and interaction between academic, clinical, business and economic development groups to train develop and support the people who will make new knowledge-based ventures successful.
- Works closely with Government agencies, business and economic development groups to encourage further development of new products and processes as new technology ventures in Otago and Southland region.
- Provides an environment for the growth of new business ventures.
Commercial Collaboration
The Centre for Innovation is interested in hosting any innovative companies needing to utilise the expertise of the University's researchers. The University of Otago enjoys national leadership and international recognition in many areas. Our primary clients are companies utilising intellectual property developed at the University, whether as a new start up spun out of Otago Innovation Limited OR as a joint venture.
If you are interested in joining the Centre, contact us to set up an initial assessment visit.
What the CFI offers
Centre Benefits
The Centre for Innovation provides an environment that is conceptually and physically part of the University of Otago.
Located on the northern side of the Dunedin campus, the Centre for Innovation is at the gateway to the University of Otago off State Highway 1. As an integral part of campus, the Centre has access to the University infrastructure including a stunning new library and information services network. It is just minutes away from banks, shops and cafes. The Centre offers electronically secured space with 24/7 access, on-site car-parking, high speed communications, video conferencing and up-to-the minute office facilities. Resident companies also have access, on an availability basis, to a host of sophisticated scientific instruments and services meeting the needs of the principal R&D applications.
Tenant Support Facilities
- Access to local, regional and national business and research networks.
- Modern, innovative, professional environment based in an iconic building.
- High speed copy, print and scanning equipment.
- FAX service.
- Twice daily mail service.
- Access to University library, print media and digital databases.
- Very high standard board and seminar rooms equipped with:
- data projection equipment
- internet connect ability
- overhead projector
- audio conferencing equipment
- Video conferencing is available for hire and use at the Information Services Building on campus.
- communal kitchen and café area.
- shower facilities.
- covered car parks available for rental.
