KiwiNet Awards recognize New Zealand research and agri-innovation

The 2026 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards winners were announced in Auckland, highlighting New Zealand innovations that translate university and public research into commercial industries. The awards recognize advancements in fields such as space technology, cleantech, agri-innovation, and sensing technology.

Key award recipients include:

• Momentum Student Entrepreneur Award: Zac Hemmings (Cluttr/University of Canterbury) • NZ Product Accelerator Breakthrough Innovator Award: Dr. Dominic Moseley (Paihau-Robinson Research Institute) • BNZ Researcher Entrepreneur Award: Prof. Matthew Watson (University of Canterbury) • KCA Commercialisation Rising Star Award: Dr. Dan Carlisle (Massey University and Massey Ventures) • PwC Breakthrough Project Award: Scentian Bio (Bioeconomy Science Institute) • Cytiva Commercialisation Impact Award: C-Dax Pasture Meter (Massey University) • KiwiNet Commercialisation Icon Award: Dr. Gavin Ross, recognized for his work in horticulture and food biotechnology.