University of Otago and Methane Mavericks Win Grand Prizes at Space for Planet Earth Challenge
- : SpaceBase Limited
- : 15/03/2024
Auckland, New Zealand — 16 March 2024
The team “Methane Mavericks” from Newham, Australia, and the University of Otago team from Dunedin, New Zealand, have been awarded the Grand Prizes in the Space for Planet Earth Challenge, an innovative competition focused on leveraging space technologies to address environmental issues.
Cristhian Delgado Fajardo and his team from the University of Otago clinched the top prize at the University level for their project “Satellite-based AI Emulators for Efficient Monitoring of Agricultural Methane Emissions in New Zealand.” Their ground-breaking work aims to enhance the monitoring and management of methane emissions from agricultural activities in New Zealand using satellite data and artificial intelligence.
In the high school category, Olivia Hedge and Khoa Anh Do of Methane Mavericks from Newham, Australia, won the Grand Prize for their project “Using Sentinel Data to Identify and Prioritize Small-scale Emissions for MethaneSat.” Their innovative approach utilizes satellite data to detect and prioritize small-scale methane emissions, contributing to the development of more effective mitigation strategies.
Six teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines competed in the Challenge finals, presenting their projects to a panel of esteemed judges from various space agencies, research institutions, and organizations. The winners were awarded cash prizes of $25,000 NZD and $8,000 NZD for the University and high school categories, respectively, along with valuable mentorship opportunities from SpaceBase.
“We are truly impressed by the calibre of work presented by these young innovators,” said Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, CEO of SpaceBase. “Their projects demonstrate the immense potential of space technologies in addressing pressing environmental challenges, and we are confident that their research will create a lasting impact in the region.”
The Space for Planet Earth Challenge was organized by SpaceBase, a forward-thinking organization that leverages incentive prizes and space technologies to catalyse innovation and solve complex problems. The Challenge was made possible through the support of various sponsors and partners, including the Pacific Fund, K1W1, Orbica, AWS, US Embassy in New Zealand, Biome Trust, Rich Bodo through the Gift Trust, Australian Space Agency, New Zealand Space Agency, Auckland Space Institute, Callaghan Innovation, Outset Ventures, Auckland Unlimited, and Auckland Aerospace.
For more information about the Challenge and the winning projects, please visit spacebase.co/challenges.
About SpaceBase Limited:
SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand-based space education and consulting social enterprise with a mission to democratise access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunities to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, the organization has collaborated with economic development agencies, local and national governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 150 educational presentations and workshops, three Pacific and nationwide space and aerospace competitions, and has helped birth space communities and organizations locally and globally.
- : Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom
- : Co-Founder
- : info@spacebase.co
- : 64224021936
- : https://spacebase.co
- https://www.facebook.com/SpaceBaseNZ/
Six Teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines Advance to Finals of Space for Planet Earth Challenge
- : SpaceBase Limited
- : 06/03/2024
Auckland, New Zealand – 6 March 2024 – Teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines have secured their spots in the finals of the prestigious Space for Planet Earth Challenge. These finalists from both the University/Startup and High School categories will compete in an online pitch competition on March 15th, presenting their innovative solutions that leverage space data to address the critical issue of methane emissions and climate change.
The grand prize winners from each category will receive substantial cash prizes of up to $25,000 NZD and mentorship opportunities from SpaceBase Limited.
The Challenge finalists include:
High School Level
- Methane Mavericks – Kyneton High School & Maryborough Education Centre, Newham, Australia
- Cashmere Space Club – Cashmere High School, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Usbong Me – University of the Philippines High School, Iloilo, Philippines
University/Startup Level
- University of Otago – Dunedin, New Zealand
- Project AIM: Rizal Technological, Caraga State, and Adamson Universities – Metro Manila and Butuan Cities, Philippines
- Interstellar Exploration Institute and Macquarie University – Sydney, Australia
The finalists participated in a three-month online research incubator organized by SpaceBase, where they received comprehensive training on the problem areas, relevant technologies, and the innovation process. After completing the rigorous incubator program on 25 February, the teams submitted their final challenge applications, which were evaluated by a panel of industry and academic experts from the United States, Australia, the Philippines, New Caledonia, and New Zealand.
“I am very impressed with the calibre this year. Every team has been impressive in one way or another,” said Nicholas Metherall, Challenge judge and Space Challenge Grand Prize Winner 2021-22.
“The Challenge showcases the remarkable talent and dedication of young minds in tackling Earth’s climate challenges. Their innovative solutions and enthusiasm are vital for a sustainable future, highlighting youth’s crucial role in addressing global environmental issue,” said Prof. Rafael Kargren upon judging the challenge.
The Challenge Final Pitch and Awards Ceremony will be held online on 15 March from 5:30-7:30 pm NZT. The event will feature welcome addresses from distinguished guests, including the Hon. Judith Collins, New Zealand Minister of Space; Peter Vedder, Senior Director at MethaneSat; Anne Rouault, Science Attaché at the French Embassy in New Zealand; and Host Amy Armstrong from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Edmund Hillary Fellow. Representatives from the Australian and New Zealand Space Agencies will present the coveted prizes.
For more information about the Challenge and the Finalists, please visit spacebase.co/challenges. RSVP for the event at spacebase.co/events.
The Space for Planet Earth Challenge is made possible through partnerships and sponsorships facilitated by SpaceBase Limited. Sponsors include the Pacific Fund, K1W1, Orbica, AWS, U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, Biome Trust, Rich Bodo through the Gift Trust, Australian Space Agency, New Zealand Space Agency, Auckland Space Institute, Callaghan Innovation, Outset Ventures, Auckland Unlimited, and Auckland Aerospace.
About SpaceBase Limited:
SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand-based space education and consulting social enterprise with a mission to democratize access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunities to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, the organization has collaborated with economic development agencies, local and national governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 150 educational presentations and workshops, three Pacific and nationwide space and aerospace competitions, and has helped birth space communities and organizations locally and globally.
- Space for Planet Earth Challenge
- : https://youtu.be/jJv_Swy9Kdg
- : Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom
- : Co-Founder
- : emeline@spacebase.co
- : 0224021936
- : htttps://spacebase.co
- https://www.facebook.com/SpaceBaseNZ/+https://www.linkedin.com/company/13643678/
Alimetry Secures CPT III Reimbursement Code for the Gastric Alimetry Test and Announces Positive Clinical Study Results
- : Alimetry Ltd
- : 12/02/2024
Alimetry, a gastrointestinal medtech and digital health start-up, announced today the creation of a new American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) III code for Body Surface Gastric Mapping, which will describe its Gastric Alimetry test.
The new CPT III code highlights the growing recognition of Body Surface Gastric mapping and Gastric Alimetry as a significant advance in the diagnosis and management of chronic gastric conditions, including functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, and chronic nausea and vomiting syndrome. Together, these disorders affect >10% of the US population.
CEO, Greg O’Grady, a Professor of Surgery and co-founder of Alimetry, said: “Obtaining a CPT III code is a key milestone for Alimetry. Gastric Alimetry is emerging as a next-generation test for patients suffering chronic gastric symptoms, with excellent early adoption in over 30 hospitals and clinics. The new AMA code will accelerate our mission to achieve widespread access for US patients suffering from these disabling disorders.”
The CPT III code comes on the back of Alimetry’s 3rd 510k clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in just 2 years for the Gastric Alimetry System. The latest FDA clearance introduced new features to aid in the diagnosis of gut hypersensitivity and common ‘Gut-Brain-Axis’ disorders, which are often linked to mental wellbeing. Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Andrews stated: “Gastric symptoms can be complex, and are often a diagnostic challenge. Gastric Aimetry combines a wearable sensor with an App- based digital health profiling tool, providing an increasingly powerful feature set that can greatly simplify the diagnostic process. The cloud-based platform also enables us to rapidly learn and improve test performance based on banked data, with an increasing focus on applications in AI.”
In addition to the new CPT Code, Alimetry also announced positive clinical study results, published this month in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. In the study discussion, the authors concluded that “Gastric Alimetry identified 2.7x more specific patient categories than gastric emptying testing [a standard of care test], with limited overlap between each diagnostic modality, offering a valuable new option in the diagnostic work up of patients with chronic gastroduodenal symptoms”. In addition, Gastric Alimetry data was reported to show “improved correlation with symptoms and psychometrics” compared to existing clinical and research tools.
Gastric Alimetry is commercially available in the United States, the UK and New Zealand. The study article can be accessed in this hyperlink
About Gastric Alimetry
The Gastric Alimetry test measures gastric electrophysiology non-invasively in a clinical setting. Recordings are taken before and after a standard meal, while patients simultaneously log their symptoms into the Gastric Alimetry App. The system performs a high-resolution recording of digestive patterns from the skin surface and delivers clinical reports via the cloud to inform the diagnosis of gastric diseases and support personalized therapy. The Gastric Alimetry system is indicated as an aid to diagnosis of various gastric disorders, including functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis and chronic nausea and vomiting disorders, which affect >10% of the US population and impact billions of dollars in healthcare expenses.
About AMA CPT III Codes
AMA CPT III codes are temporary codes assigned to emerging medical technologies and procedures. These codes facilitate data collection and assessment, aiding in the validation and reimbursement of new services. Obtaining a CPT III code, such as for Alimetry’s Gastric Alimetry test, is a vital step towards recognizing its clinical relevance and supporting its integration into healthcare practices. The new CPT III code number is 0868T and it is effective from July 1, 2024.
About Alimetry
Alimetry is a medtech and digital health start-up focused on improving the care of patients with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Spun out of the University of Auckland in 2019 from a centre of excellence in digestive diseases, the company was founded by Professor Gregory O’Grady (CEO) and Dr. Armen Gharibans (CTO), leveraging a decade of award-winning science. Alimetry is dedicated to advancing gastrointestinal health through innovative diagnostic solutions, aiming to enhance the quality of life for patients worldwide. For more information see www.alimetry.com
Contact
Hanie Yee, Chief Commercial Officer, Alimetry Hanie@alimetry.com
NZ +64 (0)21 651226 US +1 (657) 267 1082- Alimetry CPT III Press Release 12th Feb 2024 (1)
- : Hanie Yee
- : Chief Commercial Officer, Alimetry
- : Hanie@alimetry.com
- : 64021651226
- : https://www.alimetry.com
- US Phone Number: +1 (657) 267 1082 | https://nz.linkedin.com/company/alimetry-ltd | @alimetry_ltd
New Zealand collaborators reveal innovative gut health product
- : Zestt Wellness
- : 23/01/2023
A Dunedin company, Zestt Wellness, have launched a new gut health product to help counter the damage caused to our digestive system from processed foods and additives. One of the co-founders of Zestt, Dr Anna Campbell, says that damage to our gut health can be associated with the onset of chronic disease.
Campbell, along with fellow founder, Darcy Schack, were driven to create a science-based gut health product that used New Zealand grown ingredients and innovation.
These ingredients include yacon, which according to Campbell is “a superfood due to its amazing prebiotic properties. Yacon provides a form of sugar that our body can’t digest but our gut bacteria can, this helps the growth of good bacteria and inhibits the growth of bad. Clinical trials have shown that yacon can also reduce appetite and help with weight management”. The Zestt team have partnered with Kerikeri organic yacon producer, Marcus van Boxel, and are excited about the availability and quality of yacon in New Zealand.
Knowing the benefits of yacon and finding a local producer were only part of the equation. Through a collaboration with Blenheim based company, Taylor Pass Honey and a Nelson based food scientist, Grant MacDonald, the team have found a way to turn the yacon syrup into a dried product – something that others have not been able to do. A clever bit of local innovation has meant that they have been able to create the new ‘Thrive’ lozenge that has the correct pH and consistency and that also includes other New Zealand ingredients that are good for gut health, such as gold kiwifruit and probiotics from another Dunedin based company, BLIS Technologies.
Creating a quality product from quality ingredients has its challenges. According to Schack “the trick is to combine these ingredients, without losing bioactivity, so a lot of attention to detail and testing needs to happen along the way to insure none of the goodness is lost”.
The inspiration for Zestt Wellness’ products arises from Schack’s personal health battles with Sarcoidosis, a little-known autoimmune disease, which affected his lung, heart and brain functions. Zestt Wellness was established in 2019 and they released their first product EXhale, a lung health and immunity formulation, that year.
Campbell is excited about the new product “launching a product that is based on quality ingredients, quality collaborations, innovation and a bit of Kiwi magic is something that we are proud of; best of all, we know this will make a difference to the health and well-being of some New Zealanders.”
Ends
424 words
About Zestt Wellness
in 2022, Zestt launched their product range in the USA and were named finalists in the Asia Pacific Nutra Ingredients Start Up Company award and winners of the New Zealand China Business Club Innovator award. As a company, they tap into the rich New Zealand science and innovation ecosystem and partner with premium growers throughout the country to develop products with strong science behind them.To contact Zestt Wellness:
Anna Campbell 027 4861418; anna@zesttwellness.com
Darcy Schack 027 599 2255; darcy@zesttwellness.com
- : Dr Anna Campbell
- : CoFounder
- : anna@zesttwellness.com
- : 0274861418
- : https://www.zesttwellness.com
- https://www.facebook.com/Zesttwellness | https://www.linkedin.com/company/zesttwellness/
Media Giants Call on Biden to Drop Charges Against Assange
- : Aotearoa 4 Assange
- : 29/11/2022
Five of the world’s leading news outlets have sent an open letter to US President Joe Biden asking him to drop the charges against Australian Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.
The letter states the charges against him set a ‘dangerous precedent’, relating to receiving and publishing classified material that revealed war crimes, torture, and environmental crimes. Assange is currently in a maximum security prison in London, and hundreds of doctors warn he could ‘die in jail in the coming months’.
The New York Times used a photo of the Human Chain around British Parliament on October 8th, that New Zealander Matt Ó Branáin inspired. Ó Branáin welcomed the statement from the top Media brass saying ‘Joe Biden cannot run from this any longer. It would be a huge mistake to allow this disastrous prosecution to fall under his legacy. Free Speech is integral to the US identity and international respect.’
Ó Branáin renewed calls for Jacinda Ardern to intervene diplomatically with Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak, saying ‘the case imperils not only Global Press Freedom, but New Zealand journalists working or travelling abroad, the integrity and safety of our troops, and the broader New Zealand public’s right to know. Staying silent on this is complicity, and will not age well, especially if he dies in prison. The public awareness of the significance of this case is growing every day.’
The letter signed by five major media outlets states:
‘This indictment sets a dangerous precedent . . . Holding governments accountable is part of the core mission of a free press in a democracy. Obtaining and disclosing sensitive information when necessary in the public interest is a core part of the daily work of journalists. If that work is criminalised, our public discourse and our democracies are made significantly weaker. . . It is time for the U.S. government to end its prosecution of Julian Assange for publishing secrets.’
Publishing is not a crime.
The editors and publishers of:
The New York Times
The Guardian
Le Monde
DER SPIEGEL
El Pais’- matt-chain
- : Matt Ó Branáin
- : National Co-ordinator of Aotearoa 4 Assange
- : matt.o.branain@A4A.nz
- : 4915231631792
- : https://www.a4a.nz/
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/a4assange | https://twitter.com/A4Assange | https://www.instagram.com/aotearoa4assange/ | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Lgvm4ob5_kUS6NIaEXwvg
Alimetry announces US FDA Clearance for Gastric Alimetry – A Breakthrough Non-Invasive Wearable Device for Gut Diagnostics
- : Alimetry Ltd
- : 15/06/2022
Auckland, New Zealand – Alimetry, a medical device and digital healthcare company, today announced it has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for Gastric Alimetry, a pioneering non-invasive medical device for aiding the diagnosis gastric disorders. Alimetry also announced today the launch of Alimetry Inc., a subsidiary based in Minneapolis, MN, that will market and distribute Gastric Alimetry in the United States.
“Gastric Alimetry is an industry-first and genuine breakthrough in gut diagnostics.” said CEO Greg O’Grady, a Professor of Surgery and co-founder of Alimetry. “Alimetry’s unique technology harnesses the power of stretchable electronics, wearables, digital health, and cloud-based analytics to deliver a completely non- invasive solution. We are thrilled to announce FDA’s clearance of Gastric Alimetry, making this new test available to millions of Americans suffering from chronic gastric symptoms”.
The Gastric Alimetry test is performed in a clinical setting. Recordings are taken before and after a meal, while patients simultaneously log their symptoms into the Gastric Alimetry App. The system performs a high-resolution recording of digestive patterns from the skin surface and delivers clinical reports via the cloud to inform the diagnosis of gastric diseases and support personalized therapy.
The system is indicated for common stomach disorders including nausea and vomiting, gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia, affecting over 8% of the world’s population, and costing billions of dollars in healthcare expenses.1,2 The test is also currently available in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
“Diagnosing gastric symptoms has been a deeply challenging clinical problem.” Dr. O’Grady said. “Existing tests are frequently unreliable and inconclusive, and patients may undergo months or even years of testing – often costly, invasive, or involving radiation – only to end in confusion and trial-and-error care. Gastric Alimetry is a game-changing tool that will bring improved clarity to field, enabling enhanced clinical outcomes, and safer, more accessible, and less-invasive care.”
Gastric Alimetry is the result of a decade of world-leading science and innovation by an interdisciplinary team of clinicians, engineers, designers and scientists.
“FDA clearance of Gastric Alimetry cements Alimetry’s path to leadership in gastrointestinal wearables and non-invasive diagnostics.” Dr. O’Grady said. “Alimetry has an outstanding pipeline of innovation and this is the first plank in a series of innovative new features and products that stand to transform care in disorders of gastrointestinal function”.Gastric Alimetry will be available commercially from July 2022.
For more information on Gastric Alimetry visit www.alimetry.com
About Alimetry
Alimetry was spun-out of the University of Auckland in 2019 from a centre of excellence in digestive diseases. The company was founded by Professor Gregory O’Grady, a gastrointestinal surgeon, and Dr. Armen Gharibans, on the background of a decade of award-winning science.
References
- Sperber AD, Bangdiwala SI, Drossman DA, Ghoshal UC, Simren M, Tack J, Whitehead WE, Dumitrascu DL, Fang X, Fukudo S, Kellow J. Worldwide prevalence and burden of functional gastrointestinal disorders, results of Rome Foundation global study. Gastroenterology. 2021 Jan 1;160(1):99-114.
- Lacy BE, Weiser KT, Kennedy AT, Crowell MD, Talley NJ. Functional dyspepsia: the economic impact to patients. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. 2013 Jul;38(2):170-7.
- Alimetry_System_Grey
- : Hanie Yee
- : Chief Operating Officer Alimetry Ltd
- : hanie@alimetry.com
- : 6421651226
- : https://alimetry.com
- https://nz.linkedin.com/company/alimetry-ltd | @alimetry_ltd
Alimetry raises $16.3 Million to launch wearable diagnostic device for the gut
- : Alimetry Limited
- : 02/03/2022
Alimetry, a digital healthcare and medical device start-up, announced today it has closed a NZ$16.3 Million financing round led by New Zealand largest venture capital investor Movac. Existing investor partners IP Group, Matū Karihi, and UniServices supported the round, with K1W1 also participating.
The company will use the funding to accelerate the international launch of its first product, a wearable diagnostic device called Gastric Alimetry. Gastric Alimetry uses a stretchable high-resolution sensor to non-invasively map digestive patterns, and delivers clinical reports via the cloud to inform the diagnosis and classification of gastric disorders.
“Chronic gastric symptoms are extremely common, yet many of our patients still suffer from repeated inconclusive tests, trial and error care, and confusion,” said CEO Greg O’Grady, a Professor of Surgery and co-founder of Alimetry. “Gastric Alimetry is on track to deliver breakthrough results in diagnosing gastric symptoms, enabling enhanced clinical outcomes and safer, more accessible, and less-invasive care.”
Gastric Alimetry targets prevalent stomach diseases including nausea and vomiting, gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia, affecting over 8% of the world’s population and costing billions of dollars in healthcare expenses. The device is currently undergoing clinical trials in 5 countries, with results and further regulatory approvals expected during 2022. Alimetry will also use the new funding to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities and expand its product pipeline.
Lovina McMurchy, a General Partner at Movac who will join Alimetry’s Board, stated: “While Alimetry has only recently come out of stealth mode in New Zealand, the team has made an incredible amount of progress in bringing their product to market globally. They are already working with the top gastroenterology clinics in the world to trial the devices and they are in the approval process with the Federal Drug Administration in the US for full scale commercialization. This is a tremendous example of what our science ecosystem can produce at it’s very best.”
Gastric Alimetry has recently received numerous innovation and product design awards, including Gold from the Australian Good Design Awards, and a prestigious ‘Purple Pin’ at the New Zealand Best Design Awards. The Best Awards judges stated: “This is a tangible example of how New Zealand science, technology and design can work together to produce brilliant results.”
Alimetry was spun-out of the University of Auckland in 2019 from a centre of excellence in digestive diseases. The company was founded by Prof. Greg O’Grady and Dr. Armen Gharibans, on the background of a decade of award-winning science.
To learn more about Alimetry visit www.alimetry.com.
About Movac
Movac is New Zealand’s largest and most experienced venture capital fund, supporting technology founders from early stage through to growth investing. Movac was the first institutional grade venture investor supported by both New Zealand Superannuation and Kiwi Wealth. It currently has $400m funds under management and invests across deep tech, software, hardware and healthtech.
About IP Group
IP Group is a leading intellectual property commercialisation company focused on evolving great ideas and cutting-edge research from its partner universities into world-changing businesses. The Group pioneers a unique approach to developing these ideas and the resulting businesses by providing access to business building expertise, capital, scientific insight, and supporting infrastructure. IP Group, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: IPO), has a strong track record of success and, its portfolio comprises holdings in early stage to mature businesses across life sciences and technology. In Australia and New Zealand, IP Group works in close partnership with the Go8 Universities and the University of Auckland to identify ground-breaking technologies rooted in hard science, which have the most promising commercial potential. www.ipgroupanz.com
About University of Auckland Inventors’ Fund, managed by Auckland UniServices
The University of Auckland Inventors Fund is an evergreen, open-ended $20 million investment fund owned and managed by Auckland UniServices Limited, the commercial company for The University of Auckland. The Inventors’ Fund provides seed capital for ventures started out of the University of Auckland. www.uniservices.co.nz
About Matū Karihi Fund.
Matū is a venture capital fund investing in early-stage science and deep technology commercialisation from education and research institutions and the private sector. Karihi (nucleus) is Matū’s original pre-seed and seed-focused fund, working with start-ups at the earliest stages of their journey. As an open fund it raises capital over time and holds investments through to exit where possible, and therefore invests on a long timeframe. www.matu.co.nz
About K1W1
K1W1 Ltd is an investment company owned by Sir Stephen Tindall. It has invested over a total of $100M Seed and Venture capital into a large number of start-up and early stage businesses from Biotech, environmental technology, high tech, software and other high export potential businesses. The aim is, either directly or as a “fund of funds” to assist young entrepreneurs to grow New Zealand as a leader in the “knowledge economy” and to help create a culture of making New Zealand “cash flow positive” in international goods and services trade.
Attached files: Gastric Alimetry-11
- Alimetry_System_Light
- : https://youtu.be/Tw2sBEDQsPU
- : Hanie Yee
- : Chief Operating Officer
- : hanie@alimetry.com
- : 6421651226
- : https://alimetry.com
- @alimetry_ltd | https://nz.linkedin.com/company/alimetry-ltd
Teams “Yadrava na Vanua” from Fiji and “Not Basic” from New Zealand win the Grand Prizes for Space Challenge
- : SpaceBase Limited
- : 18/02/2022
Christchurch—18 February 2022.
Yadrava na Vanua (Environment Watch) from Suva, Fiji won the Grand Prize today for the Space for Planet Earth Challenge.
Their project focused on integrating satellite data on land cover types across Fiji with ground truth measurements, and refining the carbon sequestration data with machine learning analysis of high resolution satellite images from Planet to generate international standard levels of measurements, reporting, and verification of carbon stocks.
Separately, “Not Basic” from Newlands College, Wellington, New Zealand, won the Grand Prize at the High School level. Their work featured using machine learning analysis of satellite data to predict the conditions leading to coral bleaching as detected within the Allen Coral Atlas with Planet satellite data.
Six teams from New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji competed in demo sessions with a panel of judges, then a Pitch presentation to a live online audience. The winners are awarded cash prizes of $30,000 and $10,000 each, satellite data from company Planet, and mentorship from SpaceBase. Additionally the High School team will receive scholarships from the US Based MMAARS Academy to attend their Level 1 Virtual Mars Programme.
“The presentations that I’ve seen were so amazing…and I was blown away by the ideas and the ability that they’ve shown…Planet is so proud to be part of this competition,” Dr. Tanya Harrison, Director of Strategic Innovation for Planet and a Finals Judge for the competition, said at the event.
The winners were selected by judges from Planet, the U.S. Embassy to New Zealand, Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council, Rocket Lab, Callaghan Innovation, ChristchurchNZ, Callaghan Innovation, and Consegna.cloud.
The awards were presented by the NZ Space Agency and the U.S. Embassy.
“I’ve been extremely impressed with the sophistication of the solutions that have been developed, by the approach of looking for different data sources to incorporate into those solutions, to reaching out to other organisations, establishing partnerships to make this more effective, and the quality of the presentations,” said Dimitri Geidelberg, Principal Advisor to the Agency.
The Challenge was the brainchild of SpaceBase founders who leverage incentive prizes and space technologies to catalyse innovation while solving tough problems in the region. “Already, we see the Challenge as pushing the teams to accelerate their research and create opportunities they may not otherwise have been able to realise.” said Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, CEO of SpaceBase. “We think this is only the beginning for these climate change focused innovations, and we hope to continue to support these teams in their progress over the coming months and years.”
For more information about the Challenge and the Winners, go to spaceforearth.org
The Challenge is made possible by a partnership between SpaceBase Limited and Planet. Sponsors include the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, K1W1, NZ Space Agency, ChristchurchNZ, Consegna.cloud, Clare Foundation, Greenlight Ventures, Namaste Foundation, Engineering Dreams, MMAARS Academy, and Christchurch City Council.
SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand based education and consulting social enterprise, whose mission is to democratise access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunity to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth, by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, it has collaborated with economic development agencies, local governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 100 educational presentations and workshops; two national space and aerospace competitions, as well as helping birth space communities and organisations locally and globally. SpaceBase created a platform for the NZ Aerospace Directory and a free course, Catalysing a Space Industry in Your Region, for anyone interested in creating a local space industry. SpaceBase is also the NZ Ambassador for the International Space University.
- Promo Video Thumbnail
- : Emeline Dulce M Paat-Dahlstrom
- : CEO
- : emeline@spacebase.co
- : 0224021936
- : https://spacebase.co
- https://twitter.com/SpaceBaseNZ + https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpaceBaseNZ + https://www.linkedin.com/company/13643678/admin/
Animal Dermatology Group Applauds Dr. Helen Orbell, New Diplomate with the American College of Veterinary Dermatology
- : Animal Dermatology Group
IRVINE, Calif., January 26, 2022 / — Animal Dermatology Group, Inc. (ADG) congratulates Dr. Helen Orbell on achieving Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD), the organization accredited to maintain post-graduate training and certification in veterinary dermatology. She joins the ACVD’s 300+ board certified veterinary dermatologists in the US and throughout the world.
Dr. Orbell graduated from the University of Queensland in Brisbane with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) and has practiced in Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland and the United States. She currently practices at ADG’s Animal Dermatology Clinic – Palmerston North, in New Zealand.
“My love for veterinary dermatology has continued to grow throughout my career and I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity with ADG to learn from leaders in the field,” stated Dr. Orbell. “The additional challenges during my residency due to my location makes achieving Diplomate status even more rewarding. I am extremely grateful for the support of ADG, my mentors and colleagues, the ACVD, and especially, the love and encouragement of my family throughout this journey.”
“ADG is proud to have supported Dr. Orbell, the first veterinarian to be trained in an ACVD residency program in New Zealand,” said Dr. Rusty Muse, DACVD and ADG Medical Director. “She worked hard to achieve this amazing milestone and we are delighted to have her as part of our world-wide team.”
ADG is the first non-academic organization approved by the ACVD to provide a residency training program and currently hosts the largest ACVD residency class preparing future board certified dermatologists.
Steven Mrha, CEO of ADG, stated “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Orbell as our newest ACVD Diplomate. We strive to create an exciting, dynamic and rewarding environment at ADG, where our growing team of board certified veterinary dermatologists collaborate and support each other as we advance the research, education and clinical practice of veterinary dermatology.”
About Animal Dermatology Group
Animal Dermatology Group is the largest veterinary dermatology business in the U.S., providing the highest quality care to pets with acute and chronic skin conditions. ADG has over 40 primary and satellite locations where its veterinary dermatology specialists are actively involved in providing clinical care, research and academic training. For more information, please visit www.animaldermatology.com.
Contact:
Juan Mena: jmena@adcmg.com- : Juan Mena
- : Marketing Director
- : jmena@adcmg.com
- : 18166465046
- : https://www.animaldermatology.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/animaldermnz/
Alimetry Leaves Stealth Mode to Announce CE Mark on New Wearable Medical Device for Gastric Diseases and Investment
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- : Alimetry Ltd
- : 16/04/2021
Alimetry, a digital healthcare and diagnostic devices start-up, announced today that it has achieved CE Mark for its first product, a pioneering medical device for enabling diagnosis of gastric diseases.
The new wearable product, called Gastric Alimetry, is positioned to transform the diagnostic pathway for millions of patients worldwide suffering from diseases such as functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis and chronic nausea and vomiting. Gastric symptoms are extremely prevalent and impart a vast burden, affecting around 10% of the global population. The Gastric Alimetry device collects data by non-invasively sensing the activity of the stomach from the body surface. The data is sent to the cloud for analysis, and is used by clinicians to determine the causes of gastric symptoms and direct treatment.
Co-Founder and CEO Professor Greg O’Grady said “As clinicians, we lack the tools we need to reliably diagnose gastric disorders. This contributes greatly to the frustration and suffering of our patients. I was driven to this cause by seeing too many patients go through laborious, invasive and expensive rounds of repeat diagnostic testing, only to end up with inconclusive results and confusion. We invented Gastric Alimetry to help address this need. I am immensely proud of our hard-working team who have delivered an incredibly creative solution with outstanding potential to impact patient care.”
In addition to successfully achieving CE mark for the Gastric Alimetry product, enabling the company to start commercializing the medical device in European countries, Alimetry also announced today that it had achieved the ISO 13485 international quality management system accreditation. As it grows global operations, the company has enhanced its executive team with new appointments. Hanie Yee joined the company as Chief Operating Officer, from her previous role as Clinical Business Lead at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and Professor Chris Andrews, a leading gastroenterologist from Canada, has joined Alimetry as Chief Medical Officer.
Alimetry has been the culmination of over a decade of award-winning scientific research out of The University of Auckland, backed by scientific grants from the New Zealand Health Research Council and the US National Institutes of Health, followed by Callaghan Innovation funding. To support the next phase of growth, the company completed its first institutional investment round, led by IP Group, a leading international intellectual property commercialisation company. The investment round was supported by UniServices Ltd (via the University of Auckland’s Inventors’ Fund), and Matū, a New Zealand early-stage science and deep-tech venture capital fund. The capital raised by Alimetry will be used to advance the company’s clinical trials, enter the market, and progress regulatory approval in the United States.
The Managing Director of IP Group Australia, Dr Michael Molinari, said “We are excited to be working with Professor O’Grady and the world-class team at Alimetry to provide a step change in the quality of life for millions of patients with gastric disorders. This technology, at the intersection of multiple exponentially growing fields such as wearable medical devices, digital health, and machine-learning assisted diagnostics, is another great example of the breakthrough innovations coming from our partners at the University of Auckland”.
About Alimetry
Alimetry was founded in 2019 as a spin-out company from the University of Auckland’s Bioengineering Institute and Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. The company was founded on a background of world-leading science in gastrointestinal diseases. Alimetry is dedicated to improving the lives of patients by delivering innovative medical solutions to advance GI diagnostics and enable targeted therapies. www.alimetry.com
About IP Group
IP Group is a leading intellectual property commercialisation company focused on evolving great ideas from its partner universities into world-changing businesses. The Group pioneered a unique approach to developing these ideas and the resulting businesses by providing access to business building expertise, capital, scientific insight, and the supporting infrastructure. In Australia and New Zealand, IP Group works in close partnership with the Go8 Universities and the University of Auckland to identify ground-breaking technologies, rooted in hard science, which have the most promising commercial potential. IP Group, which is listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol IPO, has a strong track record of success and its portfolio comprises holdings in early stage to mature businesses across life sciences and technology.
Discover more at www.ipgroupanz.com
About The University of Auckland Inventors’ Fund. The University of Auckland Inventors Fund is an evergreen, open-ended $20 million investment fund owned and managed by Auckland UniServices Limited, the commercial company for The University of Auckland. The Inventors’ Fund provides seed-capital for ventures started out of the University of Auckland. www.uniservices.co.nz
About Matū Fund. Matū is a venture capital fund investing in early-stage science and deep technology commercialisation from education and research institutions and the private sector. As an open and evergreen fund, Matū takes a long-term investment view and is aimed at turning ground-breaking ideas into globally focused, IP-rich companies. Matū provides intelligent capital with active governance, executive management, operational support, and mentorship for founding and executive teams. www.matu.co.nz
Released images (png format):
Contact Information:
Hanie Yee, Chief Operating Officer
M: +64 (0) 21 651 226
Social Media:
Twitter: @alimetry_ltd
- Alimetry_Reader_Light
- : Hanie Yee
- : Chief Operating Officer
- : hanie@alimetry.com
- : 6421651226
- : https://alimetry.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/alimetry-ltd/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true
