Next generation therapeutics a winner

Dr Zoe Tasma,  from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, has been named the winner of the 2025 Otago Innovation Proof of Concept Competition.

Proof of Concept is the University of Otago Innovation's flagship commercialisation programme, designed to give Otago researchers investment to kickstart innovative ideas that they believe could have real impact.  The winner receives $100,000 to help further validate their idea.

The Proof-of-Concept 2025 judging panel commended Zoe for her innovative approach to developing next generation therapeutics for widespread and debilitating neurological conditions.

The project stood out to the judges for its deep scientific approach to addressing unmet patient needs, coupled with its translational potential.

Zoe, who is a post doctoral fellow in pharmacology, says she’s thrilled to win the competition.

“I’m super excited about developing the project possibilities over the coming months.”

Sam Wilkins, a Commercialisation Manager at Otago Innovation who will be working alongside Zoe, said the project was "right in the sweet spot for Proof of Concept".

“The $100,000 investment, with the right development plan, could get this exciting new project to point of serious investor interest."

This was the 19th year that Otago Innovation has run the Proof-of-Concept competition, and Sam says they were pleased with the quality of applications received.

The two-day judging event also had a record investor turnout, with all of the Technology Incubators represented, alongside several other early-stage investor groups.

Otago Innovation is planning a special celebration next year to mark the 20th year of the Proof-of-Concept programme, and invite any researchers interested to learn more to reach out and discuss their ideas.

Kōrero by Claire Grant, Communications Advisor, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences