NEWSROOM
University of Auckland alumni win at
American Chamber of Commerce Awards
Alumni from the University of Auckland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem took out three categories from the 25ᵗʰ American Chamber of Commerce Awards.
Toku Inc, developed by Associate Professor Ehsan Vaghefi, develops tools using AI and retinal photography to enable accessible healthcare for early and accurate diagnosis of health conditions. Toku Inc won the Supreme Award as well as a Technology Innovation award.
Kara Technologies Ltd designs sign language avatars (digital humans), that are responsible for translating a variety of media content such as Video, Audio, or Text into a signed language. Kara Technologies won the Social Impact Award.
CIE Director Darsel Keane says “These awards demonstrate the impact the University has in generating world class entrepreneurial talent, through CIE. The University also provides support to power ideas through its knowledge mobilisation and investment company UniServices.
“In the last few years we have seen CIE alumni increasingly be acknowledged on the world stage for generating businesses of significance. Last year CIE spin-out Auror, creators of a retail crime intelligence platform, won AmCham’s supreme award. More than 80% of retailers in New Zealand use the platform and it’s now been adopted by Walmart. It’s a great example of kiwi innovation being adopted worldwide.”
Business School Deputy Dean Professor Carla Houkamau says “The University not only generates founders of companies, but also the talent that supports innovation and growth within start-ups. One of the other companies among this year’s finalists was alcohol free drinks company AF Drinks. Their US Marketing Manager is Bachelor of Commerce and CIE alumnus Max Lawton, who recently supported nationwide launches of their product across more than 1,500 Target and Walmart stores.”
Darsel says “This year marks the 21ˢᵗ year of CIE, and as it comes of age we look forward to seeing many more alumni from Velocity and our wide array of other programmes popping up in future AmCham awards.”
Mark Foy, DHL Express Managing Director, New Zealand & Pacific Islands, says “Toku represents the epitome of the Kiwi success story, showcasing the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of businesses that continue to thrive in their trade with the U.S.A. We congratulate Toku and all the other winners of the evening, celebrating their well-deserved achievements.”
Winners receive an Economy Plus® Round Trip Ticket to the USA from United Airlines. Toku Inc, as the Supreme winner, also received USD 5,000 worth of PR and Marketing Services in the US from SweeneyVesty, key introductions to VC’s, Economic Development agencies, and business leaders in the USA.
The University of Auckland has been a longstanding member of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, since 1997.
Associate Professor Ehsan Vaghefi (Mid), CEO at Toku Eyes
Farmehr Farhour (Left), Co-founder, CTO at Kara Technologies
Associate Professor Ehsan Vaghefi (Mid), CEO at Toku Eyes
Farmehr Farhour (Left), Co-founder, CTO at Kara Technologies
Alumni from the University of Auckland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem took out three categories from the 25ᵗʰ American Chamber of Commerce Awards.
Toku Inc, developed by Associate Professor Ehsan Vaghefi, develops tools using AI and retinal photography to enable accessible healthcare for early and accurate diagnosis of health conditions. Toku Inc won the Supreme Award as well as a Technology Innovation award.
Kara Technologies Ltd designs sign language avatars (digital humans), that are responsible for translating a variety of media content such as Video, Audio, or Text into a signed language. Kara Technologies won the Social Impact Award.
CIE Director Darsel Keane says “These awards demonstrate the impact the University has in generating world class entrepreneurial talent, through CIE. The University also provides support to power ideas through its knowledge mobilisation and investment company UniServices.
“In the last few years we have seen CIE alumni increasingly be acknowledged on the world stage for generating businesses of significance. Last year CIE spin-out Auror, creators of a retail crime intelligence platform, won AmCham’s supreme award. More than 80% of retailers in New Zealand use the platform and it’s now been adopted by Walmart. It’s a great example of kiwi innovation being adopted worldwide.”
Business School Deputy Dean Professor Carla Houkamau says “The University not only generates founders of companies, but also the talent that supports innovation and growth within start-ups. One of the other companies among this year’s finalists was alcohol free drinks company AF Drinks. Their US Marketing Manager is Bachelor of Commerce and CIE alumnus Max Lawton, who recently supported nationwide launches of their product across more than 1,500 Target and Walmart stores.”
Darsel says “This year marks the 21ˢᵗ year of CIE, and as it comes of age we look forward to seeing many more alumni from Velocity and our wide array of other programmes popping up in future AmCham awards.”
Mark Foy, DHL Express Managing Director, New Zealand & Pacific Islands, says “Toku represents the epitome of the Kiwi success story, showcasing the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of businesses that continue to thrive in their trade with the U.S.A. We congratulate Toku and all the other winners of the evening, celebrating their well-deserved achievements.”
Winners receive an Economy Plus® Round Trip Ticket to the USA from United Airlines. Toku Inc, as the Supreme winner, also received USD 5,000 worth of PR and Marketing Services in the US from SweeneyVesty, key introductions to VC’s, Economic Development agencies, and business leaders in the USA.
The University of Auckland has been a longstanding member of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, since 1997.
EMAIL
CIE@AUCKLAND.AC.NZ
POSTAL ADDRESS
THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND BUSINESS SCHOOL
PRIVATE BAG 92019, AUCKLAND
