University of Auckland PhD-turned-entrepreneur develops aquaculture energy solution ‘AMES’ at the Newmarket Innovation Precinct.

Newmarket Innovation Precinct facilitates pipeline from research to commercialisation.

Aquafarming Marine Energy Solutions (AMES) solve energy problems for aquaculture farms. Aquaculture contributes $650 million to New Zealand’s economy, and is a market worth $320 billion worldwide. Their technology will enable remote generation of electricity using ocean currents, complementing less consistent renewable generation such as wind and solar.

Spinning out of PhD research by UoA PhD alumni Jonathan Everett, AMES previously occupied a lab and office space at the Newmarket Innovation Precinct (NIP). Having secured investment from UniServices, the University of Auckland’s commercialisation arm, Everett was put in touch with Claire Bennett of NIP. It was clear that the facilities at the precinct were a perfect match for AMES, given the scale and complexity of their prototyping process.

Everett explained that colocation at NIP was ideal because of its startup-friendly environment and access to lab space, which was crucial for prototyping. “Realistically, I’d have to do my prototype in a garage otherwise,” he noted. AMES collocated at NIP through a collaboration with the mechanical engineering department, and access to the Newmarket Campus has been invaluable for the prototyping phase of the venture.

The Newmarket Campus is home to an array of facilities, including the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design (CAMMD) and the University’s Technical Services Workshop. In particular, access to the Engineering Faculty’s Water Engineering facility allowed Everett to rapidly test his prototype without leaving the campus.

As of April 2025, AMES have built a full-scale prototype of their marine energy technology for deployment in the field over multiple months. This prototype will be presented to stakeholders and validate their design and business plan.

Everett’s journey with NIP highlights the importance of the Precinct as a transitional space for commercializing researchers and early-stage, pre-revenue ventures. NIP has become a vital part of the University of Auckland innovation ecosystem, helping startups to survive, thrive and scale.

The Newmarket Innovation Precinct (NIP) connects industry professionals with University of Auckland researchers and technical experts. Our R&D community collaborates especially on high-risk challenges with the potential to create new technologies.

Chris Manning,

Newmarket Innovation Precinct.