Seed projects
Kaupapa kākano

Seed projects are funded 200k for up to two years. They are small and technically complex investigator-led projects. All Seed projects are relevant to NZ, and likely to make strong contribution, in the longer-term, to NZ's economic growth. Learn more about how we develop our Seed projects.

SfTI has funded 86 projects from 2016-2021. Applications for our last Seed Project Funding round closed on the 18th of June 2021, resulting in 15 projects. The 2021 Seed project fund is the last round of funding available during the National Science Challenges ten year term, 2014-2024.

If you are interested in learning more about these projects, you can contact the lead researcher by doing a web search for their name and organisation, or by following the 'Read more' link in some of the projects below.

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Aluminium-ion batteries

Dr Shalini Divya
Victoria University of Wellington
2021 ($200,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

A battery technology more sustainable and safer than Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is urgently needed. Rechargeable aluminium-ion batteries (AIBs) are one promising alternative. AIBs are non-flammable, cheaper and more sustainable than LIBs. However, AIBs currently fall short on cathode performance. The researchers have a cathode material that outperforms most state-of-the-art cathodes. The project aims to increase the battery's energy density and cycle life. It will also increase the cell voltage, and develop an understanding of what is going on inside the AIB. The goal is to be the first commercial AIB to market.

Bio-inspired Underwater Robot for Ocean Surveillance and Protection

Dr Lorenzo Garcia
Auckland University of Technology
2021 ($199,955)
Theme: Sensors, robotics and automation / Materials, manufacturing technology and design / Data science and digital technologies

The ocean is facing various human-inflicted pressures while remaining under-sampled and under-monitored. Unfortunately, current methods (such as research vessels and buoys) are prohibitively expensive for extensive surveying. The goal of this project is to develop a proof-of-concept, novel, bio-inspired, underwater robot that can contribute to the conservation and monitoring of key species in our ocean environment. The researchers will work with iwi and the Department of Conservation to build a robot capable of ocean monitoring and surveillance. This will then assist in the maintenance and restoration of the marine environment.

Biocatalyst immobilisation for continuous-flow biorefining

Dr Peter Mabbitt
Scion
2021 ($200,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Some of the biomass options for replacing plastics and other high emissions products still use toxic, non-renewable chemicals that add to the environmental cost of biorefining. What is missing is a way to directly attach proteins to polysaccharides (sugars) to create biocatalysts within a circular bioeconomy. This project will investigate a class of enzymes that attach a small protein via an ester linkage to inexpensive polysaccharides. The linkage is stable under a broad range of conditions. This suggests it would be suitable for industrial applications. Developing an enzyme to catalyse this reaction would result in more environmentally friendly and cost-effective biorefining methods.

Biomimetic buildings for climate change adaptation: future generation of facades

Dr Negin Imani
Victoria University of Wellington
2021 ($200,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Buildings account for 40% of total global energy consumption. If they could adapt to their surrounding environment, this would reduce their energy use and contribute significantly to climate change mitigation. A building façade that mimics biological adaptation (Bio-ABF) would have the ability to adapt to variable climatic conditions. This would reduce total energy consumption. This project will develop a conceptual Bio-ABF framework using computer modelling based on plant thermal adaptation strategies.. It will then develop a computational technique to evaluate the energy performance of the exterior of the building. The digital module will be tested through a physical model.

Developing a Reo Turi (Māori Deaf Language) Interpreter for Ngāti Turi, the Māori Deaf Community

Sophie Tauwehe Tamati (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tūhoe/Ngati Ruapani, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) and Ho Seok Ahn
University of Auckland
2021 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Sensors, robotics and automation / Vision Mātauranga

This project will create a digital Reo Turi (Māori Deaf Language) interpreter for deaf te reo Māori speakers using new, culturally respectful signs underpinned by Māori concepts. The project is co-led and created with members of the Ngāti Turi Māori Deaf Community along with whānau, hapū and iwi. In sign language, facial expressions and posture are just as important as tone, pitch and volume in speech. The system will combine recent developments in AI, using sensors to recognise posture and gestures. The AI will also build our understanding of emotional status by using facial expression to distinguish nuance.

While this proposal met the 2021 Seed Fund assessment criteria, it was not funded through the 2021 Seed Fund Call for Proposals process. A subsequent extension in funding was provided to increase investment in VM research while supporting emerging Vision Mātauranga research/ers and current capacity gaps across the science and innovation system.

Developing culturally-congruent emotional speech recognition framework for te reo Māori

Dr Jesin James, Dr Sally Akevai (Ake) Nicholas (Ngāti Teꞌakatauira and Papaꞌā Niu Tireni) and Dr Gianna Leoni (Ngāi Takoto, Ngāti Kurī and Te Aupōuri)
University of Auckland
2021 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

The most advanced human-computer interaction systems (like Alexa or Siri) are beginning to recognise users' emotions from their speech. However, they are trained using only a few language families. Te Hiku Media will advise the research team on the process of defining emotions specifically in te reo Māori, rather than seemingly-close English equivalents. The aim is to develop a te reo Māori emotional speech framework that leads to speech technology from Aotearoa for Aotearoa. This could then be used by developers for other indigenous emotions technology.

Development of affinity ligands for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants

Dr Peter Li
Callaghan Innovation
2021 ($200,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design / Sensors, robotics and automation

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a simple and portable point of care (POC) test to identify the virus rapidly and accurately. This project, led by Victoria University of Wellington researchers, aims to develop an affordable test that will deliver results in less than 5 minutes with greater than 95% accuracy. The test should also be stable without specific storage or transportation procedures, portable for hand-held POC devices, and suitable for mass production. The project will engineer a test that identifies different variants of COVID-19 using ‘aptamer technologies’ that allow doctors to differentiate a single molecule from close analogues. The test will also be able to be refined to identify new variants of the virus.

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Enabling seamless communication in UAV swarms

Dr Jyoti Sahni
Victoria University of Wellington
2021 ($199,533)
Theme: Sensors, robotics and automation / Data science and digital technologies

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), usually called drones, are being increasingly used for missions classified as dull, dirty and dangerous for humans. However, they have limitations related to flight hours, processing power and reliability. To address these limitations, the concept of autonomous UAV swarms is gaining momentum. This involves multiple UAVs seamlessly communicating and coordinating for a given operation. This project will design an energy efficient and fault-tolerant communication protocol. The protocol will imitate the behaviour of bird swarms where individual birds adapt their movements to ensure a coordinated flight.

Multi-orifice jet injection for controlled, dispersed drug delivery

Dr James McKeage
University of Auckland
2021 ($200,000)
Theme: Sensors, robotics and automation / Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Jet Injection can deliver a liquid drug without a needle by forming it into a high-speed jet capable of penetrating through the skin. Depth and volume can be controlled by an electric motor, but there is no method to control the spread of the injected fluid. This project aims to achieve wide-spread drug delivery by developing new needle-free nozzles that use many very small jets rather than one larger jet. It will develop nozzles to replace time-consuming operations like anaesthetic delivery prior to skin graft surgery. It will also investigate whether multi-nozzle delivery could replace hospital based intravenous delivery.

Novel Hybrid-Plasma Synthesis of Single Atom Catalysts

Dr Siriluck Tesana and Dr Prasanth Gupta
GNS Science
2021 ($199,803)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Reducing nitrate to ammonia using electrochemical processes could improve nitrate pollution, especially in farming. While ammonia is also a toxin, it is easier to capture for reuse as fertiliser. This project will seed development of an innovative hybrid plasma technology to manufacture single atom catalysts (SACs) with high metal loadings. The aim is to develop high performing SACs that reduce nitrate to ammonia. This approach would reduce nitrate levels in waters and lower the demand for carbon-intensive urea fertilisers. The proposed technology combines two well established materials processing technologies - ion implantation and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition.

Optimising novel white plastic crowns for drill-free caries in children

Dr Joanne Choi
University of Otago
2021 ($200,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Hall Technique is a procedure that replaces the traditional “drill and fill” using expensive, silver-coloured metal preformed crowns. Our new white PFC material is closer to the colour of a tooth. It consists of thermoplastic and strengthening polymers, malleable enough to cap a child’s tooth. It is cheaper than the silver crowns, but as strong. The aim of the project is to further optimise the new crown polymer material for maximum clinical effectiveness and to make it market-ready.

Protecting taonga in the commercialisation of Te Tauihu bioactive ingredients

Dr Meika Foster (Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Mutunga) and Dr Jeff Nijsse
Edible Research Ltd / AuOra Ltd
2021 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

The aim of this project is to develop a technology platform that helps commercialise natural health and wellness products sourced from Te Tauihu. Emerging researchers from the Wakatū Incorporation start-up business, AuOra, will collaborate with Harmonic Analytics to develop a platform prototype underpinned by technologies such as blockchain to protect taonga and mātauranga while enabling innovation in the development of bioactive ingredient, functional food, and other health products. It should also serve as a model for other Māori organisations.

Revealing low emitters: Data science to aid climate change mitigation

Dr Sam Hitchman
AgResearch Limited
2021 ($192,268)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Sensors, robotics and automation

Measurements of animal rumen could be used to provide low cost, timely estimates of methane production in live animals. Computer tomography (CT) of small ruminants is already used as part of a suite of technologies to allocate breeding values associated with animal quality. Processing these images requires analysis by trained experts. This project will develop an automated software solution capable of segmenting the rumen and its constituents from other body components and analyse the results. The goal is to improve the selection and identification of low methane producing animals for breeding programmes.

Te Kapahaka Pūnaha Taupanga (The kapahaka software judging system)

Kevin Shedlock - Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea
Victoria University of Wellington
2021 ($199,999)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

The goal of this project is to deliver an AI-based system that applies a Kaupapa Māori framed indigenous data filter to intelligently process scores of kapa haka performances. This project is co-designed by the Wellington Māori Cultural Society and Victoria University of Wellington. The filter will automate the judges scores, including the second phase of scoring unique to kapa haka where the judges’ scores and comments are moderated. The system will then help rank each team and report the results to the competitors and audience.

Te Muka Taura - A site-based exploration of harakeke for dye extraction and muka colouration

Angela Kilford (Te Whānau A Kai, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu)
Massey University
2021 ($197,384)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design / Vision Mātauranga

For centuries Māori have used dyes derived from plants to colour textiles. However, commonly used iron-tannate dyes are known to cause degradation over time. Exploring the yield and ability to colour in other natural plant dyes may help develop less damaging dyes for muka (fibre from harakeke; Phormium tenax ). This project will examine harakeke and other endemic plants from the Ngāti Tukorehe whenua. This project is led by a joint team of textile researchers, Māori practitioners, and scientists from Massey University. The aim is to deepen understanding of natural dyes for customary and contemporary application.

While this proposal met the 2021 Seed Fund assessment criteria, it was not funded through the 2021 Seed Fund Call for Proposals process. A subsequent extension in funding was provided to increase investment in VM research while supporting emerging Vision Mātauranga research/ers and current capacity gaps across the science and innovation system.

Ultra-reliable time-sensitive industrial control in the cloud

Dr Yuqian Lu
University of Auckland
2021 ($199,871)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Sensors, robotics and automation

As the momentum of 5G builds, a range of applications will be developed. These include real-time cloud-controlled industrial systems and self-driving vehicles. The need is for 5G technology to provide robust and time-sensitive data transmission over wide area networks (WANs). This is to ensure the systems and vehicles can interact simultaneously without, for example, arriving out of order or colliding. This project, led by University of Auckland researchers, aims to design a data communication scheduling algorithm and supporting streaming technologies. This will enable time-sensitive transmission of control data for multiple devices over WANs.

Unlocking the unique engineering potential of auxetics in kōwhaiwhai design

Dr Eli Gray-Stuart and Maihi Pōtaka - Ngāti Hauiti and Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi and Ngāti Manawa
Massey University
2021 ($200,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design / Vision Mātauranga

Auxetic materials have unique and useful properties such as negative Poisson’s ratio. When you stretch them, they become thicker, where normal materials get thinner. Along with Māori design experts from Te Putahi a Toi Massey School of Māori Knowledge, this project will explore the mechanical and auxetic properties of kōwhaiwhai designs. The aim is to develop, alongside Māori knowledge experts, an understanding of how kōwhaiwhai might be used to design new functional materials that will incorporate Aotearoa NZ narratives and aesthetics.

Automating automated testing

Dr Michael Homer
Victoria University of Wellington
2020 ($199,287)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

The growth of software in society has led to challenges and profound changes in the field of software engineering, such as the rise of agile methodologies that have revolutionised software engineering in the last 20 years. We propose to devise a novel method to automatically synthesise iteration tests to accurately describe faults from error stack traces and logs. Tests reproducing faults not only safeguard product releases, but also help developers to debug systems. If successful, the outcomes of this project will significantly increase the velocity and reliability of agile processes.

Domain adaptation to support Polynesian language technologies

Dr Jonathan Dunn
University of Canterbury
2020 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

Recent work has shown that just 20 languages account for 90% of all online language use. Without the support of language technologies, minority languages will never thrive in digital environments. Technologies such as information retrieval require increasingly large amounts of training data, but there is relatively little data available for Polynesian languages like Māori and Tongan. This project enables the development of language technologies for low-resource Polynesian languages by creating novel domain adaptation methods. Working with Professor Jeanette King from the University of Canterbury, Māori, non-Māori and Pacific linguists will contribute to the development of this project that will enable Māori and other Pacific language speakers to use their own language in more situations in a digital space. Domain adaptation is the only approach capable of bridging this gap to bring an inclusive multi-lingual digital environment to Aotearoa New Zealand and contribute to enhancing language experience for Māori and Pacific peoples with such technologies as grammar check, question answering systems, digital assistance and more.

Gait training using smart insoles and immersive reality technologies (XR)

Dr Nadia Pantidi
Victoria University of Wellington
2020 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Sensors, robotics and automation

Gait analysis and rehabilitation training are areas of healthcare which dramatically increase the quality of life of post-trauma patients, athletes, people with chronic conditions and many others. Traditionally these tasks have been done through movement observation by a medical doctor. More recently, the development of tracking technology and wearables such as smart insoles and easily accessible AR/VR devices have opened new opportunities for gait training and rehabilitation. This project aims to leverage state-of-the-art immersive reality (XR) and sensing technologies (Smart Insoles) to develop novel portable real-time tools and new knowledge to transform how gait training is currently performed for rehabilitation and physical recovery.

Ngā taonga o nehe rā me te heke mai: treasures of the past and future

Professor Steve Reeves
University of Waikato
2020 ($199,992)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

The preservation, authentication and transfer of mātauranga and traditional knowledge for Māori and indigenous populations is an area in need of urgent innovation. Everything from languages, family histories and local narratives to traditional medicines, all are at some risk of being lost due to the modern day challenges of maintaining traditional practises of knowledge management. However, the current technical mechanisms for storing, managing and sharing data and information does not fit with how traditional communities protect and cultivate their knowledge. This project seeks to use and develop technologies that will mirror how Māori knowledge is best maintained. It has to be secure, to maintain data sovereignty; trusted to maintain authenticity; decentralised so that the community can express their own governance traditions in its management; and sharable, so that the community can use it to collaborate when they want to do so. Working with Māori experts from Āhau NZ Limited, and with technologies including, Blockchain and Tangles this project aims to create an open-source prototype tool that meets these aspects to allow communities to use technology to maintain and grow their Mātauranga.
This project was not funded by the Vision Mātauranga pool. However, we see that this project has strong Vision Mātauranga alignment working with Āhau NZ Ltd and SfTI will provide Māori expert mentorship throughout the project to further develop their Vision Mātauranga capability and widen their collaboration with Māori communities.

Novel approach to detect and predict tests with non-deterministic behaviour

Dr Amjed Tahir
Massey University
2020 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Society relies on the proper functioning of software systems. These systems can be disrupted by software defects, resulting in catastrophic failures, for example the recent Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A350 bugs. One of the methods to ensure software quality and reduce defects is software testing. Developers rely on tests to expose defects early when they are relatively less expensive to fix. Ideally tests result in a pass or fail. Otherwise they are known as flaky tests which can undermine the usefulness of testing. Detecting flaky tests will help to intercept defects earlier and will improve the overall quality of software programs. In this project, we aim to understand the causes of flakiness, provide empirical evidence of new patterns of flaky tests and their classifications. We will then develop a novel technique that is able to identify and predict them with a high-level of accuracy and scalable to large programs.

Physical activity promotion chatbot for youth wellbeing

Dr Sarah Hopkins
University of Auckland
2020 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Sensors, robotics and automation / Vision Mātauranga

Being physically active is linked to increased wellbeing. This study will co-design a chatbot to help young people (11-19 years of age) to identify and persist with physical activity. The tool will be co-designed with Māori and Pasifika youth to develop a culturally relevant and effective digital mental and physical health tool using a holistic approach consistent with the Whare Tapa Whā model. The co-design process will be guided by the Community-Up Research Practices to ensure that rangatahi Māori voices are heard, that whānau can be partners and protected in the research. These processes will be guided by Māori research experts, including Tania Cargo (Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Manu, Ngāpuhi), a clinical psychologist and high performance sports coach who is a key member of our research team.
The work will be integrated with ‘Health Advances through Behavioural Intervention Technologies (HABITs), a programme developed from the ‘A Better Start - E Tipu E Rea’ National Science Challenge. The chatbot will include machine learning of dialog policy to identify user preferences and opportunities and provide tailored and appropriate physical activity recommendations; and sequence learning to provide naturalness in conversational responses. This will allow better personalisation and longer engagement than purely template-based methods.

Practical solutions for outdoor localisation using acoustics in conservation

Dr Yusuke Hioka (UoA) and Professor Stephen Marsland (VUW)
University of Auckland
2020 ($199,996)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Sensors, robotics and automation

Monitoring New Zealand’s native species is particularly important for conservation. The primary aim of this project is to apply our previous work on sound localisation in natural environments into a useful tool for citizen-led conservation projects. The research will first establish a reliable algorithm for accurate sound source localisation in outdoor environments by extending the algorithms we developed in the previous SfTI project. This algorithm will then be applied to three different practical applications: estimation of bird abundance from their calls, localising incubation burrows of North Island brown kiwi, and localising Matuku/bitterns from the male booms. The research will ultimately lead to improved monitoring procedures of endangered NZ avian species.
This project builds and relies on previous relationships and collaboration with local iwi, the Māori arm of DOC and other Māori organisations. The potential here are the benefits to the health and wellbeing of taonga species and forests. Whereby this project not only estimates bird abundance and localisation but also explores the presence of predators by measuring non-bird related sounds in the forest.

Proofing code reuse: Detecting errors in publicly available software

Dr Sherlock Licorish
University of Otago
2020 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Software developers are increasingly dependent on question and answer portals and blogs for coding solutions. While such interfaces provide useful information, there are concerns that code snippets hosted here are often of poor quality, which may result in software failures. The objective of this project is to develop an appropriate code quality model and build an exhaustive repository of popular code snippets from online portals and blogs, to help predict the quality of these snippets for software developers.

Sensitive soft robotic skin for handling delicate objects

Dr Samuel Rosset
University of Auckland
2020 ($199,184)
Theme: Sensors, robotics and automation

Safe interaction between conventional hard robots and delicate objects remains a challenge. This limits the use of robotics in fields such as healthcare or mechanised fruit harvesting. We plan to develop a soft compressible sensing skin that will provide robotic manipulators with the ability to detect and control the amount of force they apply while also providing a compliant and deformable interface with the object they are manipulating. Current literature reports that sensing skins usually rely on a variety of stretchable electronic components and complex structuring of compliant materials, making them costly and difficult to implement. We will develop an ultra-soft capacitive touch sensitive sensor with a monolithic structure and a single pair of electrodes that can inform on both the location and magnitude of an applied force.
This project has been recognised as having Vision Mātauranga growth potential that would be beneficial to Māori business and thus contributing to the Māori economy.

Smart surgical planning and guidance system for anatomical ACL reconstruction

Dr Marco Schneider
University of Auckland
2020 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Sensors, robotics and automation / Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Approximately 40% of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts are misplaced as a result of reconstructions performed by traditional arthroscopy. We plan to develop a smart preoperative planning software system for defining anatomically accurate graft tunnel locations in ACL reconstruction surgery using machine learning and musculoskeletal models; and to develop a multimodal 3D motion tracked intraoperative system to register and guide the surgeon’s tools to the correct location in the ruptured knee. This system will enable ACL reconstruction surgeries to be performed more reproducibly and accurately.

Stretchable and self-healable energy storage for epidermal and implantable bioelectronics

Dr Bicheng Zhu
University of Auckland
2020 ($200,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design / Sensors, robotics and automation

With the advent of epidermal and tissue-implantable bioelectronic devices, there is an urgent need to develop wearable energy storage solutions, especially for continuous health monitoring and medical devices. Supercapacitor-based energy storage systems are a promising technology with advantages such as high-power density, long cycle life and simple device fabrication. We plan to extend this technology to develop stretchable, self-healable and biocompatible conjugated polymer-based supercapacitors for use in medical devices and continuous health monitoring electronics.

Surrogate modelling with wearable sensors to estimate joint torques, muscle forces and beyond

Dr Ted Yeung
University of Auckland
2020 ($199,333)
Theme: Sensors, robotics and automation / Data science and digital technologies

The loss of mobility of the lower limb in patients with movement disorder can affect quality of life. Understanding human gait and its effect on the surrounding soft tissue is essential to assess and monitor abnormal human motion. Traditional optical motion capture methods collect gait data in a controlled environment that only provides small and restrictive snapshot of daily living. With the advent of wearable sensors and smartphones, we can collect human gait data outside of the clinic into the community. Our aim is to develop a novel machine learning workflow to create custom surrogate models that use wearable sensors to predict human gait properties in the real world.

Unlocking Mātauranga Māori in historic survey maps

Dr Stuart Mead
Massey University
2020 ($197,840)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

Surveyors preparing early (1800’s) land survey maps in New Zealand relied on the assistance and mātauranga Māori of local expert guides, and often embedded significant information on cultural sites, place names and the environment within hand-drawn maps and notes. The mātauranga Māori embedded within historic maps is largely under-utilised as the data are ‘locked’ in machine unreadable formats and unavailable for analysis. We will develop computer vision and geospatial techniques to extract and geo-locate information in survey plans, unlocking and transforming this Māori knowledge into feature-rich, digital geospatial information. The project conception and co-creation is done with Māori geospatial practitioners from within Te Kahui Manu Hokai (Maori GIS Association) to meet the need to secure Māori access to and analysis of this data. Thus this has created a deeper understanding of management, use and needs of Māori geographical information, whilst ensuring that principles of data sovereignty are fulfilled as outlined in Te Mana Raraunga Brief. Mentorship from a senior Māori academic is a critical component of this project alongside the development of capability of all researchers involved as well as capacity development of Māori leadership through the mentoring of a Māori PhD student. The future potential use of this data spans a wide range of possibilities that can provide information on historical context on landscapes and land-use change, which has the potential to enhance Māori decision making surrounding economic and environmental development.

Wearable physiological sensors for head mounted displays

Dr Amit Barde
University of Auckland
2020 ($200,000)
Theme: Sensors, robotics and automation / Data science and digital technologies

This project will develop Electroencephalography (EEG), Electromyography (EMG) and Electrooculography (EOG) sensors based on conductive fabric that will be more comfortable to wear over long periods of time, in comparison to existing technology. We will also push the boundaries to integrate multiple sensors in head mounted displays (HMDs) that will create a more accurate understanding of user behaviour and intention. Our work targets physiotherapy and facial stroke rehabilitation, however, we anticipate this technology extend to a range of industry and research applications.

Weaving Maori culture into natural fibre reinforced composites

Dr Tim Huber
University of Canterbury
2020 ($173,879)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design / Vision Mātauranga

Cultivars of Harakeke (Phormium tenax and Phormium colensoi) or New Zealand flax, are woven by Māori weavers into patterns often unique to the individual weaver, region and iwi in the form of tukutuku, kete, and fishing nets. These patterns have emerged as a combination of art, spirituality and functionality. Modern composites using natural fibres are attractive alternatives to non-sustainable composites, but a lack of suitable woven textiles has been identified as a major barrier for the use of natural fibres in high performance composites. This project involves a multidisciplinary approach and co-design with Māori weavers and experts. Our team including a key Māori expert weaver will analyse Māori weaving patterns and the traditionally used Harakeke cultivars to identify weave patterns and Harakeke cultivars likely to provide high strength/stiffness in a composite. This work is done collaboratively with iwi and contributes to Māori academic success through capacity development and the design and implementation of Māori educational resource design for pāngarau (mathematics) using ethnomathematics.

A new transistor exploiting electronic spin

Dr Simon Granville
Victoria University of Wellington
2019 ($200,000), 2018 ($100,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design / Data science and digital technologies

Using rare-earth nitrides to develop a new kind of transistor at the heart of computer processing that depends on controlling the magnetic spin of electrons, rather than their charge. Rare earth nitrides have unique magnetic and electrical properties, and New Zealand leads international understanding of these.

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A platform device for vision testing applications

Dr Jason Turuwhenua - Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tūhoe, Dr Jason Turuwhenua - Ngāti Porou and Ngāi Tūhoe
University of Auckland
2019 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

Developing a new mobile device to improve vision testing measurements, in which eye movements are assessed independently of head movements. The new mobile technology will particularly improve vision testing of children and others who have difficulty describing their symptoms.

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Agent-based building earthquake evacuation simulation – AB2E2S

Dr Vincente Gonzalez
University of Auckland
2019 ($196,706)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Developing a simulation framework that considers how people behave during post-earthquake evacuations. It will consider human behaviours such as decision making and psychological/social patterns. The project aims to have a more human-centred design of buildings, where not only the mechanical and functional properties of a building matter in the design process, but also human behaviour. Ultimately, the simulation framework is used to predict how an evacuation will go when the building design is modified using human behaviour as input and can be improved before a building is constructed and occupied.

Artery heterograft development

Professor Chris Cunningham and Professor Richard Haverkamp
Massey University
2019 ($200,000), 2018 ($100,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design / Vision Mātauranga

Uses arteries from sheep and cows of which all cells and DNA are removed, leaving only collagen structures that can be used like scaffolding in the human body to repair damaged arteries of any size. The project will test the structure and mechanical performance of the scaffolds to assess suitability for use in people.

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Biological mimicry for medical diagnostics

Professor Kathryn Stowell and Sophie Burling
Massey University
2019 ($199,968)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing a new-generation device reflecting the microarchitectures and function of living human muscle. The device will mimic the cells in neuromuscular disorders to enable diagnosis and patient-specific treatment without painful biopsies.

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Bringing biochemistry to new heights – development of protein crystallisation nanosatellites

Dr Sarah Kessans
University of Canterbury
2019 ($200,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing a satellite-based space biology laboratory for crystallising proteins in low Earth orbit that are difficult to grow in Earth gravity. The proteins have uses from fundamental research to pharmaceutical development. This project aims to develop a lab payload that would be suitable for nanosatellites

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Building a clinically validated AI classifier to assist the national Diabetic Eye Screening program

Dr Ehsan Vaghefi
University of Auckland
2019 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

Developing an AI-enabled diabetes screening protocol, combined with a low-cost interior eye surface (fundus) camera to reach people with diabetes who may not be taking advantage of the public Diabetic Eye Screening program.

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Cellulose-based surfactants – Enhancing manufacturing and product performance with minimal environmental impact

Dr Jack Chen and Dr Jack Chen
Auckland University of Technology
2019 ($199,543)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing a new class of sustainable surfactant particles that are biodegradable, low leaching and recoverable from industrial waste streams, and allow for futureproofing against environmental legislation. The proposed particles are based on cellulose and are significantly larger than conventional surfactants enabling improved emulsifier efficiency, reduced leaching and easier recovery.

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Consolidating Cordyline for Green Composites

Dr Nancy Garrity
Scion
2019 ($173,906)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design / Vision Mātauranga

This research proposes ti kouka (C.australis) has a distinct advantage (e.g. strength, moisture resistance) over many plant fibres due to its chemical composition and morphological structure. We aim to provide the superior performance properties of C.australis fibres leveraging mātauranga Māori for bio-plastic composites while ensuring collaborative capacity.

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De novo drug discovery for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment using deep-learned generative models

Dr Binh Nguyen
Victoria University of Wellington
2019 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Using machine-based deep learning approaches to generate new medications for use in Type II diabetes. These new drugs will be designed by combining the structures of currently known medications and herbal medicines. Three of the most promising compounds will be chemically synthesised and tested for efficacy.

Deep sheep – facial recognition for tracking kinship in livestock

Dr Lech Szymanski
University of Otago
2019 ($199,804)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Using facial image analysis to enable the cost-effective assigning of parentage to livestock, beginning with sheep. Accurate parentage information for livestock can assist farmers with calculating breeding value for each animal, leading to improvements in animal health and profitability.

Developing real-time lab-on-chip device and biosystems for personalised cancer medicine

Dr Maran Muthiah
University of Auckland
2019 ($200,000), 2018 ($100,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design / Vision Mātauranga

Uses a lab-on-a-chip device to assess the toxicity level of chemotherapy medication on patients at a single cell level – information that can help clinicians understand optimum, personalised doses, avoid excess toxicity, and reduce healthcare costs.

Development of an innovative multidimensional manufacturing and intelligent fluid management

Dr Emilia Nowak
Massey University
2019 ($199,973)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing a new way of 3D printing that is non-mechanical and contactless to improve speed and energy consumption. The approach relies on focused natural sunlight to cause autonomous, multidimensional movement of the drops and has other potential applications such as micro-readers, targeted chemical transport and fluidic diagnostic platforms.

Effective telediagnostic platform with rich communicational information in the sensitive situation

Dr Sungchul Jung
University of Canterbury
2019 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Developing an immersive, virtual reality-based option to safely allow sensitive communications, such as between a person suffering mental disorder and their psychiatrist, or a prisoner and a lawyer. The headset wearer sees the service provider in virtual space as if meeting in real world, real time. The service provider also sees additional detailed data, such as body and eye movements through a monitor.

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Environmental sensors

Associate Professor Ashton Partridge
Digital Sensing Limited
2019 ($200,000)
Theme: Sensors, robotics and automation / Vision Mātauranga

Developing novel water-sensing technologies combined with indigenous knowledge and principles to monitor the health of lakes and rivers. This transformative new approach will monitor freshwater at high frequency, high resolution, and in real time.

Hybrid organic / inorganic nanoparticles for luminescent solar concentrators

Dr Nate Davis
Victoria University of Wellington
2019 ($200,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing luminescent solar concentrators to allow for more efficient solar energy generation, using technologies that mimic processes for harvesting of solar radiation found in nature. The approach aims to resolve a key problem found in current solar concentrators – that of heavy reabsorption losses.

Molecular biosensors to detect and monitor toxins from harmful algal blooms

Dr Balam Jimenez
Victoria University of Wellington
2019 ($199,900)
Theme: Sensors, robotics and automation / Vision Mātauranga

Developing an aptamer-based sensor that can act as an early warning system for dangerous concentrations of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in seawater to assist the aquaculture industry. The research aims to help prevent human poisoning and reduce aquaculture losses by giving Iwi, industry and communities a monitoring tool that doesn’t require a laboratory or expensive assessment tools.

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New approach to microwave processing for the production of bio-based chemicals

Dr Cameron Weber
University of Auckland
2019 ($200,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing a new method of extracting useful molecules from plants as alternatives to petrochemical sources. The currently known processes require harsh conditions including high temperatures, pressures and corrosive catalysts. This project aims to develop a less severe process by combining novel microwave heating approaches with an emerging class of solvents known as ionic liquids.

Portable low-cost microwave brain scanner for stroke detection and recovery monitoring

Dr Yifan Chen
University of Waikato
2019 ($199,598)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing a portable micro-wave based brain scanner that can detect strokes and monitor recovery, reducing the need for patients to travel to main centers for CT scans, and allowing faster initial treatment. Also includes development of the supporting imaging algorithm and a machine learning algorithm for stroke classification.

Self-cleaning molecular sponges for chemical sequestration

Dr Angelique Greene
Scion
2019 ($198,888)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

A novel method of chemical separation by creating a molecular sponge, which uses electrically controlled mechanical motion to selectively trap waste products in one environment and release them cleanly for further processing without saturating the sponge.

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Towards 3D printable polymers containing biologically active antimicrobial enzymes

Dr Kelly Wade
Scion
2019 ($200,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing 3D printable medical devices, such as catheters and orthopaedic implants that contain anti-bacterial enzymes, reducing the need for antibiotics while maintaining sterile conditions on the devices. The research will combine recently identified enzymes that remain stable at elevated temperatures with lower temperature 3D printing techniques.

A light in dark places

Dr Steve Mills
University of Otago
2018 ($99,995)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Applying computer vision and surveying expertise to develop new approaches to building 3D models from images to form a shape of a scene, or an object from a series of images in dark places. This technology could be used in rescue robots for mining or collapsed buildings, or to assist surgeons during minimally invasive surgery where they look inside the body using endoscopes.

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Electricity demand flexibility on New Zealand farms

Dr Janet Stephenson
University of Otago
2018 ($98,601)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

With the growth in low-cost networked devices, there is a significant potential for farmers to engage in electricity demand response, which would provide additional farm income through the electricity aggregation market. Farmers’ involvement in this growing market is so far minimal. This research takes a socio-technical approach to investigating why farmers are not getting involved, looking at both technical and human factors, and identifies social/technical solutions that will encourage uptake.

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Acoustic vector network analyser

Professor Jonathan Scott
Waikato University
2017 ($143,953)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Improving the measurement of object acoustic properties eg the acoustic permeability of pasture as a function of its dry matter yield.

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Closing the gaps in static program analysis

Dr Jens Dietrich
Massey University
2017 ($197,329)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Poor software quality and vulnerabilities can be exploited for malicious activities. Static Program Analysis was the focus of this project ­- where bugs and vulnerabilities are detected by models extracted from code without executing the program.

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Computational Glasses – Head- mounted displays for the visually impaired

Dr Tobias Langlotz
Otago University
2017 ($199,999)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

Developing prototypes for computational glasses that analyse the environment and change it to compensate for user impairment.

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Data analytics to enable wide-area monitoring of electricity distribution lines

Dr Fiona Stevens-McFadden
Victoria University of Wellington
2017 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Using new, automated data-analytics and modelling to extract information from 3-dimensional solid-state magnetic field sensor measurements.

Deployable nanosatellite synthetic aperture radar

Dr John Cater
University of Auckland
2017 ($198,704)
Theme: Sensors, robotics and automation

Developing deployable Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems suitable for deployment from small (nano) satellite platforms for monitoring New Zealand's exclusive economic zone for marine traffic.

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Distance and direction estimation for acoustic bird monitoring

Professor Stephen Marsland
Massey University
2017 ($200,011)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

Estimating population densities by locating bird calls using mathematical and statistical methods.

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Executable heart-on-chip for validating cardiac devices against drug effects

Dr Avinash Malik
University of Auckland
2017 ($189,281)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Developing technological innovation for pacemaker certification that accommodates drug- induced effects. The overall objective of the project was to develop a heart model capturing the effect of disease and medications, which can be used to validate cardiac devices during design/manufacturing.

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In-Vehicle touchscreens – improving human performance and reducing attentional demands

Professor Andy Cockburn
University of Canterbury
2017 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Collaborating with Airbus to develop a new understanding of touchscreen interaction during vibration, as well as improving interaction with touchscreens in vibrating environments.

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Landscape-scale augmented reality: enhancing public understanding of our cultural heritage

Professor Neil Dodgson
Victoria University of Wellington
2017 ($199,586)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

Developing a method to identify the horizon in 360-degree photographs, and prototype software for overlaying computer-generated data onto real 360-degree photographs.

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Machine learning based on rat brains

Dr Will Browne
Victoria University of Wellington
2017 ($198,756)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Using the neuroscience of rat-brains to model lateral connections within a learning system in order to join up knowledge and functionality. This enabled the novel AI system to learn from small amounts of data as learnt knowledge can be reused, i.e. the concept of whiskers can be used to differentiate between different types of animals.

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Mechanochemical conversion of biomass into commodity chemicals

Dr Jonathan Sperry
University of Auckland
2017 ($81,917)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Investigating ways to convert suberic acid, a compound present in cork and castor oil, into phthalates, and to transform cyclopentanone, a compound attainable from agricultural waste and forest residues, into adipic acid.

Modelling and improving emissions /energy efficiency in NZ’s transport systems

Dr Andrea Raith
University of Auckland
2017 ($199,471)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Researching model vehicle emissions in strategic transport modelling tools. The modelling tools developed from this project will assist in impact testing of various incentives to encourage electric vehicle uptake, designing transport on-demand systems, and identifying traffic patterns with lower fuel consumption or emission.

Novel approaches for impaired speech recognition

Professor Ruili Wang
Massey University
2017 ($200,000)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Sensors, robotics and automation

Seeking to develop adaptive- personalised speech systems recognising individual impaired speech and generate intelligible speech. The systems are based on a unique music retrieval technique and could be used on mobile devices, like smart phones, tablets and PCs, such as human to robot interactions.

Secure, shared and collaborative: treasure in the block chain

Professor Steve Reeves
University of Waikato
2017 ($198,860)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

Distributed ledger technology known as ‘Blockchain’ shows considerable promise for use in secure, distributed systems of collections of information across traditional boundaries. This project developed the technology to allow users to store, display and check data files (pictures, audio, text etc.) in such a way that the data is totally secure from tampering, but still available for public viewing.

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Underground wireless data acquisition network using Low Power Wide Area Network

Dr Kevin Wang
University of Auckland
2017 ($196,448)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Sensors, robotics and automation

Investigating and designing a persistent wireless underground data acquisition network with long operating life and reliable data communication, targeting agriculture applications.

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Visual recommender technology for exploratory analytics: predicting forests futures

Dr Ralf Gommers
Scion
2017 ($199,614)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Exploring the potential to use visual recommender technology to analyse complex spatiotemporal data sets.

Wearable sensors for gait assessment

Dr Julie Choisne
University of Auckland
2017 ($199,999)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies

Taking a novel approach to address limitations of current ‘best practice’ rehabilitation for gait disorders by exploiting advances in wearable sensors and computational modelling.

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Womb with a view

Dr Harvey Ho
University of Auckland
2017 ($199,921)
Theme: Data science and digital technologies / Vision Mātauranga

Encouraging pregnant women to quit smoking, this project developed a 3D model for web pages and mobile devices that demonstrate how smoking impacts their own, and their unborn children’s, circulatory systems.

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A giant leap for small displacements

Dr Amir Haji Rassouliha
University of Auckland
2016 ($139,355)
Theme: Sensors, robotics and automation / Data science and digital technologies

Accelerating the development of a patent-pending platform machine vision technology to more accurately determine shape, motion, surface and volume changes. Initially focusing on applications in industrial maintenance (e.g. wind turbine blade inspection), healthcare (new cardiovascular diagnostics), and agriculture (improved fruit sorting).

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Algae-derived food supplement

Dr Phil Novis
Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, University of Canterbury
2016 ($295,000)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design / Vision Mātauranga

Manipulating the spectral composition of light to create a commercially viable way to boost the production of Eicosapentaenoic acid or (EPA), a high-value omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, in algae. To provide a sustainable and vegetarian friendly alternative to fish oil.

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Controlling spray drops in flight

Dr Scott Post
Lincoln Agritech
2016 ($146,250)
Theme: Sensors, robotics and automation

Developing electrostatic spraying technologies, combined with crop scanning sensors, which will greatly reduce wastage of pesticides sprayer on crops.

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Enabling sustainable economic development with advanced additive manufacturing of wood

Associate Professor David Leung
University of Canterbury
2016 ($64,250)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Investigating the use of live wood-forming cells of eucalyptus trees as an advanced manufacturing material in 3D printing, known as bioprinting. With the aim of manufacturing wood products without cutting down trees.

Golden polymer for enriching biogas to biomethane

Dr Jianyong Jin
University of Auckland
2016 ($41,667)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing ‘golden’ (yellow in colour) polymers to filter CO2 from biogas, created through a breakdown of organic waste, leaving biomethane. Which has more commercial potential as it can be used more effectively in homes and as transport fuel.

Magnetic silver clusters

Dr Renee Goreham
Victoria University of Wellington
2016 ($146,250)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing Magnetic Silver Clusters as contrast agents to potentially provide a less toxic more effective alternative to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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Mechanically induced drug release

Associate Professor Stephen Moratti and Dr Eng Wui Tan
University of Otago
2016 ($81,309)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing a new technology for controlled drug release based on mechanically-sensitive soft materials or gels. The gels will contain nanoscale drug capsules that can be broken to induce long term repeated release. If successful, this kind of drug delivery has a wide range of clinical applications including epilepsy, cancer, pain relief and heart arrhythmias.

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Nitrate sensor arrays

Dr Leonie Jones - Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa
Digital Sensing Limited
2016 ($295,000)
Theme: Vision Mātauranga / Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing a fit-for-purpose device to diagnose the chemical health of our rivers at high frequency and in real time. The device is designed to remain in the field for up to 6 months and measures nitrate level, conductivity and temperature, uploading results wirelessly and instantly to the cloud.

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Self-Healing silicon anode

Dr Peng Cao
University of Auckland
2016 ($146,250)
Theme: Materials, manufacturing technology and design

Developing the use of a self healing silicon polymer to provide an alternative material to form battery anodes. The self-healing aspect of this makes silicon a viable material for rechargable batteries and in theory could increase battery capacity by up to 1000 percent.

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Te Tāhū o te Pātaka Whakairinga Kōrero: Next generation indigenous knowledge

Dr Hēmi Whaanga
University of Waikato
2016 ($106,250)
Theme: Vision Mātauranga / Data science and digital technologies

Creating a digital platform to manage and distribute Indigenous Knowledge (IK) utilizing spatial hypermedia, incorporating kaupapa Māori protocols, iterative design processes and participatory design. In consultation with Vision Mātauranga (VM) teams and across the National Science Challenges (NSC).