Contact Us

Dr Peter Fennessy, The Entrepreneur in Residence

Peter Fennessy Peter is Managing-Director of AbacusBio Limited (Dunedin), a privately-held consultancy and new venture development business with a focus in the agricultural, agri-bio and biotech sectors. Previously Peter has been involved in scientific and R&D management and prior to that spent many years in R&D.

Peter is Chair of NZBIO (a director for the past 6 years), Chair of BLIS Technologies and of the Advisory Board for the Otago University Applied Science Program, and is a director of a number of private companies, and the National Research Centre for Growth and Development.

Peter is employed one day a week as the University of Otago Entrepreneur in Residence and his role is to mentor and advise researchers interested in commercialisation.

If you would like to talk to Peter, please contact Victoria Jameson:
Phone +64 3 479 8454
Email victoria.jameson@otago.ac.nz

Associate Professor Vernon Ward (Academic Lead)

Vernon Ward Vernon has BSc(Hons) and PhD degrees from Otago and, after holding post-doctoral positions overseas, took up a position in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Vernon is interested in Molecular Virology. His current research involves the study of pathogenic viruses and the exploitation of virus properties for beneficial purposes.

Vernon is course director for Molecular Biotechnology, a major in the Applied Science programme. He is on the Applied Science Board of Studies, a Member of the Executive for BioSouth, on the Management Board of the Otago Centre for Protein Research and is a former Vice President of the New Zealand Biotechnology Association.

Contact Details:
Phone +64 3 479 9028
Email vernon.ward@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

Dr Victoria Jameson (Project Manager)

Victoria Jamieson Victoria has a BSc(Hons) in Chemistry and a PhD in Organic Synthesis. Her PhD research resulted in discussions about commercialisation and she enjoyed the challenge of interacting between science and business.

Victoria is currently completing a Master of Entrepreneurship (MEntr) while managing the Partnering for Innovation project.

Contact Details:
Phone +64 3 479 8454
Email victoria.jameson@otago.ac.nz

Matthew Winter (Project Officer)

Matthew Winter Matt has a B.Com.Ag and G.D.Com(ACCT) from Lincoln University. He worked on research commercialisation projects with Powerhouse Ventures in Christchurch and the Research and Innovation Office at Lincoln University. Matt is currently employed as Project Officer for Partnering for Innovation whilst pursuing an interest in a family business.

Contact Details:
Phone +64 3 479 5211
Email matthew.winter@otago.ac.nz

What's Happening

Partnering for Innovation 2010 Seminar Programme

The Partnering for Innovation Seminar Programme is being run again in Dunedin this year. The speakers people who are involved in various stages of developing a technology based business, from initial development of the idea through to marketing and selling. There are 10 presentations, which will be held fortnightly, from the end of April.

If you are interested in participating please contact Victoria on 479 8454 or victoria.jameson@otago.ac.nz to register. Further details are available in courses and you can download the preliminary programme here.

Ideas Stocktake

Do you have an idea that you think may have commercial potential? Would you like someone to investigate the commercial possibilities for you?

If you are interested in participating contact Victoria on 03 479 8454 or victoria.jameson@otago.ac.nz. Further details are available in processes.