Latest News Releases

17 July 2009
NEWS FROM LINCOLN VENTURES LTD
 - for immediate use

Win-win for primary sector and environment in FRST funding of Lincoln Ventures research

Sustainable primary production and environmental protection are the twin winners in a $4.7 million research contract awarded to Canterbury science and technology company Lincoln Ventures Ltd in the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology’s main 2009 investment round, announced on 15 July.

The funding grant, spread over six years, will support scientific research into the causes and avoidance of pesticide spray and vapour drift in the agricultural, horticultural and forestry industries.

Led by Dr Andrew Hewitt of Lincoln Ventures Ltd (LVL), the project will involve scientists from LVL, SCION, Otago University and Plant Protection Chemistry NZ.

“Protecting the environment and humans from unintended pesticide exposure while optimising production from the primary sector  -  agriculture, horticulture and forestry  -  by combating pests, weeds and diseases, is our focus,” says Dr Hewitt.

“The research will develop best management practices, technologies and models needed to reach a balance between pesticide use, sustainable primary production and environmental protection.”

“Balance is the key word in the relationship between these three areas of activity. As a nation we must ensure the sustainability of primary production  -  our economic lifeblood  -  but we must also ensure the well-being of the world around us, our environment.”

A national coalition on drift minimisation is being formed to ensure that the research reaches and encompasses the needs of all those involved with pesticides. The coalition includes major stakeholders from Government, industry and research bodies.

“It is vitally important that pesticides are applied correctly and reach only the target pests and crops,” says the Chief Executive of Lincoln Ventures Ltd, Peter Barrowclough.

“Spray drift management is taken very seriously both within and beyond New Zealand and Lincoln Ventures is looking forward to developing strong ties with other researchers in this field around the world,” says Mr Barrowclough.

“In addition to the collaborations across central Government, regional councils, farmers, horticulturists, agrichemical applicators and industry groups within New Zealand, we will also be working closely with the US and Canadian departments of agriculture as well as with scientists in Australia and Europe, in order to optimise the efficiency of this research programme.”

Thirty-eight contestable contracts with 15 organisations and institutions were granted by FRST in this year’s main round.

FRST Chief Executive Murray Bain says the latest investment process has occurred at a time when New Zealand’s environment is under increasing pressure and subject to international agreements and intense scrutiny.

“It is important that the Foundation’s research investment delivers high quality outcomes to provide sustainable environmental resilience,” he says.

“This investment round supports some ground-breaking scientific research with the potential to deliver substantial benefits to New Zealand.”

Lincoln Ventures sees its funded project as definitely offering substantial benefits to New Zealand, says Mr Barrowclough.

 

End

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Peter Barrowclough, CEO, Lincoln Ventures Ltd,  Lincoln,  Canterbury.
Tel: (03) 3253702. Email: peter.barrowclough@lvl.co.nz
or
Dr Andrew Hewitt, Manager, Chemical Applications Research & Training,
Lincoln Ventures Ltd, Lincoln, Canterbury.
Tel: (03) 3523716. Email: andrew.hewitt@lvl.co.nz  

 

 

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Media Release

26 May 2009

LINCOLN VENTURES NEW 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 biosensor 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.

For more information:
Peter Barrowclough
Phone 03 3253701

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CEO Graeme Robertson to step down - January 2009

 

1.3 million SciTOX capital raising oversubscribed

 

Lincoln Ventures wins funding to assist NZ manufacturers - July 2008

 

New research could see electricity generation from wastewater - July 2008

 

Report published on Hawke's Bay frost protection study - March 2008

Lincoln Ventures in the news


Sales coup for Lincoln Ventures' Irricad Pro software, Reseller News, 2 November 2007.

Israelis buy NZ technology, The Christchurch Press, page 8, 17 October 2007.

Understanding Groundwater, Research Success Stories: Foundation for Research, Science and Technology website.