Two Otago innovators have been recognised for their ability to turn bold ideas into real-world breakthroughs, being named finalists in the 2025 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards.
Medical student Josiah Bugden is a finalist in the Momentum Student Entrepreneur category for the development of CourseSpy, a platform designed to help students plan their degrees.
Professor Paul Glue, of the Department of Psychological Medicine, is also a finalist in the BNZ Researcher Entrepreneur Award for his work developing a controlled-release ketamine drug for people with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.
They are among 18 finalists in the awards which shine a spotlight on Aotearoa New Zealand's deep tech talent.
KiwiNet CEO Dr James Hutchinson says the finalists "represent the cutting edge of innovation, turning world-class science into high-value, high-growth ventures with real impact for New Zealand".
"From pioneering medical treatments to clean tech, sustainable food production and space innovation, they show how science can tackle real-world challenges - growing our economy, boosting productivity, and doing good in our communities.
"The KiwiNet Awards highlight the powerful returns delivered by research commercialisation, with every $1 invested in PreSeed Accelerator Funding generating $13 in economic value for Aotearoa."
