$100,000 Proof of Concept Competition is CLOSED
The annual Proof of Concept Competition is closed for applications. As an established feature of the University of Otago’s calendar, the Otago Innovation Proof of Concept is in its 19th year.
It is an opportunity for academics, post-docs and PhD candidates to test their commercially prospective ideas in front of an expert panel of mainly external judges.
The Proof of Concept winner will receive $100,000 to help further validate their idea.
The judges will see a lot more than one idea worth investing in, and so it will not just be the winner who may benefit from submitting an application. In past years several entries have been taken forward with Otago Innovation.
The University of Otago is strongly embracing the idea of commercialisation as a valuable way to increase research impact.
A few years ago, we instigated the idea of inviting potential investors/partners to the presentations and judging. People often tell us they wish to take a look at projects early. We reasoned that they (investors) may as well take a look at new ideas out of Otago at the same time as we first do, and so each year since many people come and go throughout the two days of judging.
Since 2006, the submissions have included ideas ranging from human therapeutics, biomarkers, software development to improved technology in household devices.
If you have a great idea, then feel free to contact any of our Commercialisation Managers. They will be happy to take a look or you can register your interest at any time of the year.
Chat with our Team Register Your InterestMeet the Judges
Meet the expert panel of judges who makes the decision on who wins the $100,000.
View JudgesPast Winners
See who the past winners are and their accomplishments.