R&D focused firms dominate at NZ International Business Awards

Research and development (R&D) intensive companies earned the lion’s share of prizes at this year’s New Zealand International Business Awards (NZIBA), announced in Auckland.

Callaghan Innovation CEO Dr Mary Quin says the results demonstrate the key role investment in innovation plays in achieving business success.

“The results of this year’s awards show a clear link between investing in technological innovation and retaining or developing the kind of competitive edge that leads to international business success,” she says.

Judges awarded the 2013 NZIBA Supreme Award to innovative agri-tech company Tru-Test, a leading manufacturer of high tech equipment for the agricultural and security sectors with a global network spanning more than 100 countries.

Also winning the ‘Best Business Operating Internationally – over $50 million’ category, Tru-test is an R&D intensive business that has received more than $4m in government R&D co-funding, administered by Callaghan Innovation.

The winner of the ‘International Success through the application of Innovation’ category, sponsored by Callaghan Innovation, was Auckland-based Buckley Systems, a world leading manufacturer of precision electromagnets, ion beam physics hardware, and high-vacuum equipment.

Buckley Systems partners with companies driving technology advancements in human health, electronics, energy and security.

Auckland UniServices, which partners with Callaghan Innovation in supporting business innovation, won the category of ‘James & Wells Best Commercialisation of Intellectual Property in International Business’.

“The success of these companies clearly demonstrates how government support for R&D is helping increase business R&D spending,” Dr Quin adds.

“We congratulate not only the 2013 winners of these awards but also the many other innovative companies driving New Zealand’s economic growth.”