AUT Increases Support for Consulting to Industry

Consulting to industry offers AUT staff the chance to share their expertise, solve real-world problems, and earn extra income to support their research and professional goals. With a new trial of reduced commission from AUT Ventures, there’s never been a better time to get started.

Starting now through the end of March 2025, AUT Ventures is trailing a reduced consulting fee of 9%—down from a tiered system of 15% for the first $50,000 and 10% thereafter. This change applies to new contracts and reflects a strategic decision to grow our consulting ecosystem.

While it’s uncertain whether the reduced rate will remain over the longer-term, this trial provides an exciting opportunity for staff to engage with consulting at a lower cost. Compared to other universities, AUT Ventures’ fee was already believed to be the lowest in the country.

Why Consulting Matters

Consulting to industry aligns closely with AUT’s Te Kete values, helping staff transfer knowledge from the university to the wider world. It connects AUT researchers with real-world challenges, builds relationships with industry and community partners, and supports impactful work that extends beyond academia.

Dr Samaneh (Sam) Madanian, Associate Professor, School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences notes, “consulting to industry helped me to have a clear picture and first-hand experience of digital health solutions in a working environment and in practice, which I can apply to my research as one of my objectives is bridging the gap between academic and industry. The consulting engagements are great opportunities for me to achieve what matters to my career, research and teaching.”

AUT Ventures Makes it Easy

AUT Ventures Contracts Manager, Tom Davidson, works tirelessly behind-the-scenes to ensure consulting engagements are both rewarding and hassle-free. His ethos is that we’re here to remove the roadblocks and make consulting simple for both AUT staff and the client engaging our services.

Dr Kelly Sheerin, Head of Department and Associate Professor, Sport & Recreation affirms that working with AUT Ventures has been a good experience. “The ability to respond quickly is essential for industry engagements. Tom understands this and ensures we receive prompt support, enabling us to deliver the expert advice we’ve been contracted to provide.”

The support and advice available to AUT staff through AUT Ventures includes:

• Policy Compliance: We’ll handle the details, ensuring your work aligns with AUT policy.
• Market Rates: We’ll make sure you’re paid what your time is worth.
• Insurance Coverage: Your work is protected under Professional Indemnity Insurance, with certificates tailored to client requirements.
• Income Management: Consulting income can go tax-free into an AUT Research Programme Account or be taken as personal income, with income tax handled by AUT Ventures.

While staff often identify their own consulting opportunities—sometimes through platforms like GETS—AUT Ventures is here to provide advice and guidance whenever needed.

Ready to Get Started?

The team at AUT Ventures is happy to discuss consulting, as well as commercialisation or student entrepreneurship, at faculty, school, or departmental meetings. They can be contacted at ventures@aut.ac.nz.