Pooja Patel on the transformative power of an entrepreneurial mindset

8 March 2024

Participation in programmes delivered by the University of Auckland Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) – especially Summer Lab – fuelled Pooja Patel’s passion for taking scientific research to commercial reality. 

Self-described innovation and commercialisation enthusiast Pooja Patel has long harboured a fascination for all things scientific – in particular, life-changing discoveries and pioneering inventions. It was this passion for exploring the possibilities created by scientific study that led her to specialise in Biotechnology as an undergraduate student at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. “I was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the course, where I could learn about all types of techniques and technologies used in science,” she explains. Eager to learn more about the commercialisation of innovative ideas, she went on to pursue postgraduate studies in Bioscience Enterprise. 

For Pooja, a world beyond the confines of a lab had always beckoned. CIE was therefore an obvious draw for the young entrepreneurial enthusiast, and her initial forays into its innovation hub Unleash Space were soon followed by participation in their award-winning experiential programme, Summer Lab. “I enjoyed working in a team on a problem that was a current world issue. It was inspiring to see how every other team was also very much engaged with their ideas,” she says. “The best part was being able to gain guidance from mentors regularly, and then working away to solve project-related hurdles.”  

Unsurprisingly, Pooja’s involvement with CIE over the course of her studies became a long-standing one. She took advantage of the wide range of learning opportunities the centre offered, from training in technical skills such as soldering and laser cutting at the Innovation Hubs to attending seminars and workshops focused on various aspects of professional development. 

These experiences have proved invaluable in Pooja’s current role as an investment analyst at the University of Auckland’s knowledge mobilisation and commercialisation company UniServices, which connects researchers with industry, government, investors and communities. The role entails conducting thorough research and due diligence on potential investment prospectives to evaluate their feasibility, she explains. Put simply: “I enjoy working with early-stage start-up ideas and helping them progress successfully into the market.” It’s a perfect fit for Pooja, who shows a keen interest in New Zealand’s start-up ecosystem and is dedicated to furthering its promotion, driven by a desire to contribute positively to society.  

Pooja is well-placed to offer insights on current trends in the commercialisation space – and it’s no surprise that sustainability remains a key driver for innovators. “Businesses are increasingly integrating environmental and social considerations into their products, services and operations, reflecting broader global trends towards sustainability,” she observes. “New Zealand continues to see a rise in tech start-ups, particularly in areas such as software development, artificial intelligence and clean technology.”  

When asked what advice she would share for students with similar interests in scientific innovation and commercialisation, Pooja doesn’t hesitate: take advantage of the many co-curricular opportunities available at the University, she says – particularly those offered by CIE. “I would encourage them to explore their interests and join clubs, as well as participate in CIE’s workshops and programmes,” she advises. “Summer Lab helped me understand what an entrepreneurial mindset is. Developing this mindset has further enhanced my innovation, creativity and problem-solving skills, which are useful in day-to-day life. I thoroughly believe that this mindset also encouraged me to take on challenges in my career.”