Prime Minister Selects Oritain Founder Professor Russell Frew for Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council

Oritain co-founder and Chief Scientist Professor Russell Frew has been selected to join the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council.

As part of this, Professor Frew will be instrumental in advising the New Zealand Government on ways to leverage science, innovation, and technology to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all New Zealanders.

“I'm delighted to be part of this important initiative and making a meaningful contribution to our country’s future scientific and commercial success,” said Professor Frew. “My personal hope is that through this council we can encourage other companies like Oritain to come from a fundamental research environment and move successfully into the commercial environment.”

The council was first announced in the Prime Minister’s State of the Nation speech in January 2025. Chaired by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, the council will comprise six members, including Sir Peter Gluckman, science advisor to former Prime Minister Rt Hon Sir John Key, the latter of whom is now board chair at Oritain.

The appointment is for an initial term of three years, and will inform Government strategy, budgeting and policymaking across science, innovation and technology.

Members will provide advice to the Prime Minister on long-term direction and high-level priorities, emerging technologies critical to the future of New Zealand, and ways to address barriers to innovation and commercialization to ensure a thriving science and innovation ecosystem.

Professor Frew was personally selected by Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon to join the council due to his deep experience and strong connections in business, impact and commercialization of science.

The initiative was welcomed by Professor Frew as a much-needed investment in the sciences. “This government has shown to be more proactive than probably any in the last 25 to 30 years about prioritizing the science sector.”

The council’s work is set to benefit many New Zealand businesses, both through funding to support their development and growth and through access to mentors and leadership. It will provide critical financing and knowledge to fuel the success of the next generation of Kiwi businesses.

The selection of Professor Frew for the council follows Oritain’s participation in the Prime Minister’s trade mission to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines in April 2024. Oritain was part of a delegation supporting the Government’s goal to diversify New Zealand’s trade capabilities and double the value of exports into the region over the next decade.

Oritain has enjoyed a strong, positive relationship with the Government over many years, with Rt Hon Christopher Luxon visiting the Oritain offices and laboratory in November 2024. Members of Oritain’s scientific staff have been recipients of the Prime Minister’s science award.

“One of our visions at Oritain is to be scientific thought leaders,” said Professor Frew. “This appointment shows that we are at the forefront of industry where our opinion is highly valued, not just for the immediate business, but in the wider context of science as a catalyst for economic growth.”

The appointment of Professor Frew to the Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council is a further endorsement of Oritain’s success in commercializing scientific methods. It sets an example that will continue to inspire other New Zealand businesses into the future.

 

More information:

Oritain
mediaenquiries@oritain.com 

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
media@mbie.govt.nz