u/Parking-Log-8368

28F - I want to develop a product and have a research based masters degree in the same field. The idea fits with some successful research out there, but I want to take the ideas and bundle them into a commercial solution.

I'm an engineer, so have some relevant skills to be able to pull off developing a product. But I really just couldn't afford to fund much myself given the cost of living, already being unable to afford a house etc. The most I can give is my time and development skills.

It looks like Callaghan Innovation has significantly changed - what options are left for funding for kiwis like myself? Do the universities offer much in the way of support?

I'm an intermediate, but I'm a confident speaker/presenter and I've started to be invited to bid interviews from time to time.

What skills and lessons did you guys find really helped you hone in your abilities? I feel as though its something that is rarely talked about in terms of professional development but incredibly important!

Where I live the process is largely you get a brief, put in a written bid selling the company, then you get invited to an interview if shortlisted, and a decision gets made. Not sure if its different elsewhere?