Mike Collins Commercialisation Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington 2025

Mike Collins Commercialisation Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington

The Mike Collins Commercialisation Scholarship, established in memory of physicist and innovator Mike Collins, supports postgraduate research students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. It offers a 12-week part-time commercialisation project with mentoring and training, helping students apply their research in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or Electronics to real-world commercial opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria of Mike Collins Commercialisation Scholarship:

1. The scholarship supports the development and translation of innovations from research in Physics, Physical Chemistry, or Engineering into practical applications—such as new products, services, or prototypes—with a focus on community impact rather than funding new research.
2. Applicants must be postgraduate students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, enrolled in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, Electronics, or a closely related discipline with relevant expertise.

Selection Criteria: 

1. Applicants must be postgraduate students (PhD, Master’s, or Honours) currently enrolled at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
2. The scholarship funds projects that translate existing research innovations into practical community applications—such as developing a product, service, or prototype—and may align with the student’s own research or a Wellington UniVentures commercialisation project.

Application Process: 

1. Apply by emailing info@wellingtonuniventures.nz with: A CV outlining your technological expertise, interest in commercialisation, supervisor support (as a reference), and your latest academic transcript.
2. (Optional) A completed Invention Disclosure Form if you want your project to be considered.

Award: NZD 5,000.

Note: 

1. The scholarship requires around 20 hours per week for 12 weeks, including training in commercialisation techniques and guidance from a Wellington UniVentures Commercialisation Manager.
2. Recipients must submit a 5–6 page report on project outcomes and use the scholarship funds within 12 months as outlined in the application. Wellington UniVentures may use the recipient’s name, image, and project outcomes in communications.
3. Intellectual Property (IP) will follow the University’s IP policy. Any publications or information releases require written permission from Wellington UniVentures to ensure proper IP protection.