New Zealand Invests $4.5M in Digital Twin Research Programme
New Zealand Invests $4.5M in Digital Twin Research Programme
Synopsis
- $4.5M Catalyst Fund backs New Zealand–US Digital Twin Research initiative.
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute partners with University of Texas Oden Institute.
- Physics-informed AI to model biological and agricultural systems.
- Aims to accelerate innovation in drug discovery, healthcare, and agriculture.
- Investment expected to create jobs and commercialisation opportunities.
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The New Zealand government has allocated $4.5 million from the Catalyst Fund to support the New Zealand–United States Digital Twin Research programme.
Under this initiative, researchers from the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) will collaborate with the Oden Institute at the University of Texas to advance physics-informed AI computational modelling. By pooling expertise, data, and tools from both nations, the programme aims to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and provide New Zealand with access to advanced global research.
According to Dr Shane Reti, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, the investment will strengthen collaboration between researchers and businesses, speed up commercialisation, and generate high-value jobs while creating opportunities for Kiwi researchers.
The joint effort with public research organisations seeks to build predictive models for crop health, yield, and simulations of new plant varieties and treatments. These efforts are designed to drive agricultural innovation and sustainability.
The project will also deliver computer models grounded not only in data but in the fundamental physics of biological systems such as plant growth and blood flow, ensuring more reliable and trustworthy outcomes.
Potential applications include pharmacological modelling to lower drug development costs and timelines, as well as tools for clinical decision-making and population health management. The funding will also enable ABI scientists to collaborate closely with New Zealand’s top agricultural and horticultural experts.
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About The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI)
The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), part of the University of Auckland, is a globally recognised research centre focused on computational modelling, medical technologies, and bioengineering innovation. ABI develops advanced digital tools that combine engineering, biology, and medicine to better understand and simulate complex biological systems. Its researchers are leaders in creating digital twins of the human body, including models of the heart, lungs, and musculoskeletal system, to improve diagnosis, treatment, and medical device design.
ABI also engages in agricultural and environmental modelling, extending its expertise into plant growth and crop simulation. The institute works closely with clinicians, industry partners, and public agencies to translate academic research into real-world impact. Its mission is to apply bioengineering to improve health outcomes, support sustainable agriculture, and deliver solutions that advance both science and society. ABI has become a cornerstone of innovation in New Zealand’s science and technology landscape.
About The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences at the University of Texas
The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin is a premier global centre for research in computational science, engineering, and mathematics. The institute focuses on developing advanced algorithms, mathematical models, and high-performance computing solutions to address complex scientific and engineering problems. Known for its cross-disciplinary approach, the Oden Institute brings together experts in physics, biology, engineering, and computer science to create computational models that can simulate real-world systems at scale. Research areas include digital twins, climate science, biomechanics, materials, and artificial intelligence.
The institute’s work supports breakthroughs in both fundamental science and applied fields such as healthcare, energy, and national security. By fostering collaboration with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners worldwide, the Oden Institute drives innovation that enables better decision-making and new technological capabilities. Its strong emphasis on physics-informed AI makes it a critical partner in international digital twin initiatives.
Featured image Source: Cade Project
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