Professor Robyn Owen, Middlesex University Principal Investigator for IFB, recently presented research on early-stage Nature Positive innovation and university-led support models at events hosted by the University of Waikato and the New Zealand Business Angel Association in Hamilton and Tauranga.
The events attracted strong audiences of cleantech ventures, angel and venture capital investors, and leading New Zealand academics, with discussions focused on strengthening New Zealand’s early-stage and scale-up cleantech investment markets.
Collaborative research between Middlesex University and the University of Waikato, drawing on IFB research, is exploring how greater understanding of the financial value of Nature Positive and biodiversity-related projects can help broaden cleantech and green innovation markets. The work also highlights the role universities can play as anchor institutions in supporting venture growth through intermediary support services, including the University of Waikato’s Hiko Hub initiative.
Emerging findings suggest opportunities for New Zealand universities to coordinate co-investment approaches involving Māori Land Trusts - which often combine environmental and social investment priorities - alongside angel and venture capital investors seeking to scale local cleantech ventures internationally.
Professor Owen and colleagues at the University of Waikato are now developing further research to improve understanding of Nature Positive investment opportunities in New Zealand, drawing on the IFB Habitat Calculator tool, the Nature Positive Scale-up Accelerator Programme, and Nature Positive investor training initiatives.
A preliminary report is expected later this year following ongoing engagement with cleantech businesses, investors, and New Zealand policymakers.
For further information, you can contact Robyn.