From research to real-world impact: Wellington UniVentures and Booster NZ showcase university innovation

University research has the potential to change how we live, work and respond to some of the biggest challenges facing our world. But a breakthrough in the laboratory is only the beginning. Turning research into products, services and companies that can reach people and markets is critical to creating lasting real-world impact.

On 29 October, the 2026 Wellington UniVentures & Booster NZ Showcase will bring together founders, researchers, investors and industry leaders to explore how research from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is being translated into globally relevant companies.

The event will also recognise a partnership that has helped demonstrate what is possible when long-term investment is brought alongside deep-tech research at an early stage.

Building a pathway from research to investment

The partnership between Wellington UniVentures and Booster NZ began in 2018, helping demonstrate the potential for KiwiSaver capital to support deep-technology and science-based companies emerging from Te Herenga Waka.

Since then, Booster has supported 40 companies originating from publicly funded research. Thirty of these have navigated the challenging early stage often referred to as the “valley of death” and are now collectively worth around $800 million, while employing more than 250 people in high-value jobs.

The experience has also acted as a catalyst for Booster to broaden its investment activity nationally, including through partnerships with Otago Innovation and Auckland UniServices.

The 2026 Showcase provides an opportunity to reflect on that progress while looking ahead to the next generation of research-led ventures and the people turning new ideas into real-world applications.

Seven ventures. Seven different approaches to turning innovation into impact.

At the heart of the showcase will be seven research-led companies demonstrating the breadth of innovation being translated from university research:

• Advemto – developing ultrafast spectroscopy instruments for life-science and materials research.
• Goodair Nosebuds – developing medical breathing technologies designed to support the body’s natural functions.
• Marama Labs – using spectroscopy for real-time measurement during pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Rekover Therapeutics – advancing therapeutics designed to support tissue repair following damage caused by multiple sclerosis.
• UunaFit – combining AI, seamless 3D knitting and soft merino to create a custom-fit, zero-waste bra system.
• Wellumio – developing compact medical imaging technology for the rapid assessment of perfusion injury and stroke.
• XFrame – rethinking commercial construction with recoverable and reusable steel framing systems.

Ultimately, research impact depends not only on great ideas, but on the people, partnerships and investment needed to take those ideas beyond the laboratory.

Join us on 29 October to meet the people behind these ventures, discover how university research is being translated into real-world impact, and explore how you can play a part in what comes next.