27 May 2009 Lincoln Ventures CEO looking forward to making a difference

Peter Barrowclough, the new Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Ventures, is looking forward to leading a company which is doing its bit to make a difference to the New Zealand economy.

“Our goal, as a scientific research and consultancy company, is to help companies grow and to be competitive through the use of technology,” says Peter Barrowclough, the new CEO of Lincoln Ventures.

“Lincoln Ventures also undertakes environmental research to improve New Zealand's sustainability.”

Peter Barrowclough, who has worked in senior positions at the interface between science, technology and business, succeeds Graeme Robertson as CEO of Lincoln Ventures, who is retiring after three and a half years in the position.

“I believe the commercialisation of science and technology is important in economic development and helps increase New Zealand's wealth,” says Peter Barrowclough.

Lincoln Ventures, a subsidiary of Lincoln University, employs around 35 staff engaged in scientific research, consultancy, and the development of intellectual property, based at Lincoln and in Hamilton. 

“Much of our funding for basic research comes from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, which is a government fund dedicated to improving New Zealand's competitiveness through research.”

“Lincoln Ventures has already been involved in the successful commercialisation of research, and we are looking to continue to bring good ideas to commercial fruition.”

In December last year a new company, SciTOX, was spun off, which raised $1.3 million to commercialise a trade-waste bio-sensor developed by Lincoln Ventures.

“The strong demand for the SciTOX share offer, which was oversubscribed by $300,000, showed there is still investor demand in New Zealand for good technology, even in these tough economic times.”

“Partnering will be a key strategy for Lincoln Ventures in the future.

“I look forward to engaging with companies and stakeholders from both the research and private sectors,” concludes Peter Barrowclough.