WaikatoLink opens commercialisation path to China

WaikatoLink opens commercialisation pathway into China

HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND – 26 September 2008 – WaikatoLink, the commercialisation and technology transfer company of the University of Waikato, has set the foundation for more effective market access into China by entering into a partnership with their equivalent at one of China’s top universities, Tsinghua University.

The partnership will see WaikatoLink and Coway International Techtrans Co., who are responsible for technology commercialisation and management of Tsinghua University’s scientific and technological achievements, collaborate on commercialisation projects.

The collaboration will open up many market opportunities for New Zealand technologies in China as Coway has the expertise and partnerships required to penetrate the market. The sharing of expertise, networks and IP will flow both ways and WaikatoLink will assist Coway to enter new markets.

Mark Stuart, Chief Executive at WaikatoLink, said "This collaboration represents a major step forward in taking New Zealand technologies into the Chinese market.”

“We have a very strong partner in Coway. They have the local knowledge, networks and experience that will allow us to streamline Chinese market entry for our technologies.”

“We are also keen to work with other New Zealand parties who wish to commercialise technologies through the pathway we have set up.”

Coway is the largest professional technology transfer company in China. They assist overseas parties with guidance on relevant laws and regulations, IP protection in China, opportunity assessment, technology market development, venture capital raising, contract research and technology commercialisation pathways.

The collaboration is the result of meeting at the China-NZ Technology Commercialisation Networking Forum held in Beijing earlier in the year. Stuart was invited to speak on best practice in commercialization in New Zealand and Tsinghua presented on best practice in China.

A delegation of 65 researchers from New Zealand accompanied Minister for Research, Science and Technology Pete Hodgson to take part in a series of Science to Market events. A key objective was to show New Zealand's commitment to collaborating with China in scientific fields, after the signing of historic free trade agreement.

The collaboration paves the way for significant scientific co-operation between WaikatoLink and Tsinghua University. It is anticipated the first collaborative project will begin next month.

ENDS

About WaikatoLink

WaikatoLink Limited is a world class technology development and investment company, with a strong track record in translating research outcomes into commercial technologies. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Waikato, it achieves this by identifying, managing and commercialising the University’s intellectual property. WaikatoLink works closely with industry, investors and researchers to identify and develop market opportunities for new technologies, and plays a key role in University knowledge transfer for economic transformation. Since its establishment in 2002, WaikatoLink has completed numerous licensing deals and established more than 12 start-up companies and joint ventures, which have collectively created more than 138 full-time equivalent jobs and achieved market capitalisation nearing NZ$200 million. Three of its start-ups have already been successfully exited. WaikatoLink’s impressive performance is reflected in its top 3% rating when benchmarked against US university technology transfer offices (AUTM survey data).

www.waikatolink.co.nz

About Coway

Coway International TechTrans Co., Ltd. is the biggest professional technology transfer company in China. With its broad, global network and extensive recourses, Coway is specialized in providing integrated services for the overseas enterprises that intend to enter into or are interest in Chinese market, such as licensing, consulting and marketing etc.

Coway International TechTrans Co., Ltd. is entrusted by Tsinghua University to commercialize Tsinghua University' scientific and technological achievements, to carry out technology commercialization and technology management of International Technology Transfer Center (ITTC) of Tsinghua University.

www.coway.com.cn

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