Photo caption:听Distinguished Professor Geoff Chase (right) with Dr Jessica Fitzjohn and the prize-winning tool for breast cancer diagnosis. Jessica developed the tool during her PhD under the supervision of Distinguished Professor Chase.
Distinguished Professor Geoff Chase is a BNZ Researcher Entrepreneur finalist and Emma Arvidson and Jenny Zhu are finalists in the Momentum Student Entrepreneur award. Winners will be announced at an event on 9 October.
Distinguished Professor Geoff Chase听is a mechanical engineering expert renowned for his applied research in high-tech automation solutions that address critical challenges in healthcare and earthquake engineering. His pioneering work ranges from intensive care medicine for babies to breast cancer screening, low-cost medical devices and seismic engineering. 鈥
Geoff鈥檚 commitment to both innovation and commercialisation is evident in the entrepreneurial spirit he has fostered within his research team. To date, he has inspired UC students to co-lead five spinout companies, with two more in development.鈥疭pinouts include Boundary Lifesciences and听 Intersection Lifesciences, which merged to become breast cancer screening technology company Tiro Medical, seismic control device company 2.2g-Force, and diabetes care company Tautoko Technology.
His protocols for glycemic (blood sugar) control in intensive care settings for adults and pre-term infants, based on his physiological modelling of human metabolism, are now standard clinical practice in several ICUs and NICUs in New Zealand, Hungary, Belgium, Malaysia, and beyond. The SPRINT and STAR protocols provide a novel 鈥榬isk-based鈥 insulin dosing methodology that is unique in the world to improve patient safety and outcomes. The innovation has already saved hundreds of lives and millions of dollars for healthcare providers.
Additionally, his seismic devices have been deployed in two Christchurch buildings and a nine-storey social housing project in San Francisco, USA. The innovative quake damping devices are designed to absorb energy in a big earthquake and prevent building damage.鈥
A named inventor on 12 patent families (with a total of 20 patents granted), Geoff has received numerous accolades for his contributions to medical technology and seismic engineering, including the Royal Society MacDiarmid Medal. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his clinical engagement and industry insight, has significantly amplified the societal and economic impact of his work.
Jenny Zhu听is a recent UC graduate in Mechatronics Engineering. 听
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Her unique background as a New Zealand representative badminton player and her passion for innovation inspired her to tackle one of the sport's most persistent challenges: unreliable umpiring. Jenny is the founder of LineBuddy, a startup dedicated to making advanced umpiring technology accessible to all badminton players.听
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Jenny's journey in badminton began when she was eight, inspired by her older brother who played before her. Determined to surpass him, she started playing socially at the local badminton club. She has since progressed from social to senior international level, making her deeply involved in the badminton community from the grassroots up.听
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Recognising that professional athletes benefit from advanced but expensive umpiring technologies, Jenny set out to create a solution that would be both affordable and convenient for everyday players. LineBuddy leverages smartphone technology and object detection to provide accurate line call feedback. By simply setting up a smartphone on a tripod behind the court, players can receive instant in-or-out decisions. 听
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LineBuddy is currently in the MVP (minimum viable product) development stage, with hopes to impact other sports in the future and make fair play accessible to all.
Emma Arvidson听is a chemical formulation design specialist, currently pursuing her master's in product innovation at UC.听
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For her capstone project, to demonstrate knowledge and expertise for her thesis, Emma developed a high-protein oat milk powder that bridges the gap between the nutritional benefits of dairy and the sustainability of oats. Recognising the potential of her creation, Emma co-founded a startup to bring this innovative product to market.
Emma and her co-founder earned the People's Choice and Impact Award at the UC Summer Start-Up, further validating their concept and approach. This reflects the strong resonance their product has with both consumers and industry experts, showcasing its potential for broad market appeal.
Emma's expertise in chemical formulation design has been instrumental in overcoming industry challenges, setting her product apart in a competitive market. Her strategic vision and commitment to sustainability resonate with consumers who value nutrition, convenience, and environmental responsibility.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavours, Emma was recently selected for the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, reflecting her leadership potential and her dedication to making a broader impact. Her journey from concept to commercialisation showcases her ability to translate scientific innovation into viable business opportunities, positioning her as a rising star in the food innovation sector.
