KiwiNet loves research commercialisation, and what better way to get an inside look into the industry than to talk to the people practising it in our country. In this newsletter we meet Mitali Purohit. Mitali is a commercialisation manager at AUT Enterprises Limited and is working to capture, evaluate and progress the commercial development of AUT's intellectual property.
How did you get into this area of work and where did you begin your career?
I began my career at Pacific Channel Ltd, helping NZ biotechnology and engineering start-ups with venture development and raising investment. It was a great start for me as I gained experience in preparing technologies, entrepreneurs and companies for investment, as well as building an investor network. I initially joined Pacific Channel as an intern, during my final year completing Masters in Bioscience Enterprise.
I joined AUT Enterprises Ltd as a Commercialisation Manager in late 2012, to commercialise IP developed by AUT staff and students.
Tell us about some exciting projects you have been involved with.
Currently, I am involved in commercialising RACer, a disruptive technology for the management of sleep apnoea. It aims to solve one of the biggest problems that the CPAP industry and sleep apnoea patients suffer from - a very low compliance rate to current therapies due to discomfort and side-effects. RACer could significantly improve the lives of sleep apnoea patients, who currently only sleep for 4 hours or less each night!
Recently we licensed an image processing technology to GP2U Telehealth Pty Ltd in Australia, to commercialise a more accurate melanoma screening and monitoring tool.
I love research commercialisation because….
I get to work with passionate innovators who are trying to solve real world problems, and helping them get their products into the hands of customers. It is even more satisfying when commercialising technologies that have a positive impact on humanity.
What one thing could be done to improve commercialisation in New Zealand?
Funding to access international experts to work alongside commercialisation staff to bring technologies into the global market through their experience and networks.
What is your favourite quote?
“I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones.” - John Cage
What technology would you love to have been involved with over the past 10 years?
Oculus Rift! This technology and virtual reality is going to very quickly change the way we interact with people and our surroundings in the future.
If you could be any age for a week, what age would you choose and why?
70 years old, to see if I am ready to retire yet, or still having too much fun doing what I am doing.
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