Funding Smarter, Not Harder: Turning AUT Research into Reality
Bringing research to life is rarely easy. Dr Jack Chen, Associate Professor in the School of Science and one of the driving forces behind Spherelose®, knows this all too well. His journey wasn’t one of overnight success or massive research grants. Instead, Jack and his team faced repeated funding rejections. But rather than be discouraged, they took a path defined by perseverance and strategic thinking.
Jack’s experience is a testament to the power of persistence and creativity in overcoming challenges.
The early stage of securing grant funding isn’t typically easy, and Jack’s story is no different. Rejections are a familiar experience for researchers, but Jack was confident in the potential of their work. With support from Te Kāhui Poipoi Rangahau (The Research Office), he refined his applications and targeted specific areas of his research. While the grants he secured weren’t large, they were enough to keep the project moving forward.
A turning point came when Jack received funding from The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology. By using it strategically to engage IP Pragmatics, a UK-based consultancy, to explore the intellectual property landscape and assess market potential, this early investment gave Jack the insights needed to demonstrate the commercial promise of the research and secure further funding.
“We were thrilled to collaborate with Jack and help him develop a research funding strategy and secure the funding for his groundbreaking ideas to become reality. Jack’s funding strategy started off small with NSC and CoRE and then expanded to MBIE Smart Idea and funding from KiwiNet.’
— Gary Putt, External Research Funding Manager, Research Office
Jack’s methodical approach focused on key development stages, gradually building momentum. A pivotal phase was proof-of-concept, where Jack and his PhD student and collaborator, Dr Andres Tiban, demonstrated their technology was both viable and commercially attractive. This achievement attracted additional partners and investment, moving the project forward.
“Jack’s determination and strategic approach to funding are an inspiration. His experience demonstrates how persistence can lead to real-world outcomes, even when the odds are against you.”
— Hannah Buckley, Head of School of Science
Jack’s success wasn’t about landing one big grant—it was about making the most of smaller opportunities. By targeting multiple small awards, he established the credibility of his research and paved the way for larger grants like MBIE Smart Ideas. This approach allowed the team to address specific needs at each stage, reduce risks, and demonstrate progress, leading to bigger opportunities.
One such opportunity is Spherelose® recent selection for the 2025 Climate Tech Accelerator - Aurora Climate Lab programme, powered by Creative HQ and Motion Capital. Being part of this the programme not only enhances the project’s credibility as a startup tackling climate change but also positions it as a leader in climate tech innovation. This recognition further validates the strategic funding choices that have driven the project’s success.
For many researchers across Aotearoa, funding challenges are part of the process. Jack’s story shows that perseverance and a strategic approach to funding can lead to success. His experience demonstrates that innovation isn’t just about securing large grants, it’s about using every opportunity wisely to build momentum and unlock greater possibilities.