According to the university’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Professor Gary Wilson, HIKO is an ideal base for small to medium-sized businesses looking to be part of a connected and innovative community. And when it comes to Waikato’s tech sector, there are plenty of unique advantages, he says.
University of Waikato’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Professor Gary Wilson officially opened HIKO in May 2024.
“For tech and innovation businesses, the hub offers a place to connect, strategise and problem-solve with industry peers,” says Professor Wilson.
“Being on campus also means they can foster partnerships with staff and students on research and development and access talent from our advanced tech programmes.”
Professor Wilson believes that when it comes to the relationship between businesses and tertiary institutes, understanding each other’s worlds is vital for success.
“This space accelerates that process. Recently, for example, we had 40+ tech sector leaders meet with university representatives and National party MPs at HIKO to discuss critical issues related to New Zealand and Waikato’s tech sector.”
HIKO Hub was named after the Te Reo Māori word for lightning or ‘to ignite’.
The power of proximity
Dr. Stuart Inglis, co-founder of the tech startup Exaba.io, which develops a software platform for scalable AI and high-performance storage solutions, has established a base for his team of around 20 software developers at the hub.
Stuart, also operating partner at NZ-based venture firm Altered Capital, believes significant advantages and insights can be gained from being part of a physical community.
“The tech sector is primed for ‘do it yourself at home’ but it’s hard to survive in isolation. HIKO’s community-centric approach which considers businesses, the university, support services and the wider community, contrasts the limitations of isolated, home-based work,” he says.
A place to connect
Stuart explains that alongside access to a network of like-minded businesses and university resources that are invaluable for growth and innovation efforts, it also simply offers a home base and a place to connect.
“The opportunities for spontaneous interactions that can lead to new ideas and opportunities are everywhere here,” he says.
“Already in the first few months of the hub’s life, companies have come together for internal meetings looking for ways to work together. And new business opportunities and joint ventures have been discussed.
“There’s also a reciprocal curiosity between businesses in the hub about what each other does. And it feels like a safe, friendly place – that soft stuff is just as important.”
Hamilton’s business ecosystem at work
Professor Wilson confirmed that several partnerships are already in place with the likes of business growth advisors Soda and investment network Enterprise Angles, with more to come.
“We want this to be a supportive, interconnected space that gives startups and businesses the opportunity to grow, access communities and draw out commercialisation opportunities – all of which can be hard to find in isolation,” he says.
Upcoming events + support for businesses
Free SODA support
For local businesses and startups looking for advice on how to grow.
Every Wednesday
9:30 – 12 (by appointments – book here)
12 – 2 (drop-in)
Free Startup Workshop Series
For academics, PhD students and budding entrepreneurs looking to grow their commercialisation capabilities and business acumen.
Every Tuesday
4 – 6pm (beginning in September)
Planning for a range of further events is underway including tech panel discussions on topics such as AI and IP in business, technology disruptors, the future of work and more.
To learn more about the space, visit www.hikohub.co.nz.
