UniServices welcomes the Government鈥檚 expansion of the University of Auckland鈥檚 Digital Manufacturing Light programme 鈥� an initiative that will open new opportunities for New Zealand manufacturers to innovate, lift productivity and build enduring digital capability.
With three-year funding now in place, the programme will support SMEs across the nation to adopt practical, affordable digital tools that deliver measurable improvements on the factory floor.
For UniServices, the University鈥檚 commercialisation and research translation arm, the expansion offers Kiwi businesses the change to engage with research-backed expertise that can directly benefit business performance.
Turning research into real-world productivity gains
Digital Manufacturing Light helps manufacturers integrate low-cost, off-the-shelf technologies and open-source software into existing operations, without the need for major capital investment or complex infrastructure upgrades.
Participating businesses receive:
- A tailored assessment of their digital readiness
- Support selecting the right tools for their needs
- Hands-on installation assistance
- Training to embed digital capability within their teams
The programme offers real-time insights into machine performance, bottlenecks and quality issues, and a clear pathway away from manual and outdated processes toward smarter, more agile production systems.
The programme continues the work of Prof Xun Xu and Dr Jan Polzer, who previously ran a pilot in partnership with 撸撸视频Unlimited and 撸撸视频Council. It is adapted from the Institute for Manufacturing鈥檚 Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring initiative, developed at the University of Cambridge, and has been refined for the New Zealand context through University of 撸撸视频expertise and industry engagement.
Connecting research and industry
UniServices was delighted to be able to play a role in facilitating the conversations, building the connections and helping drive the initiative to this point, ensuring that the University鈥檚 deep research capability translates into tangible outcomes for manufacturers.
Luke Spencer, Partnerships & Innovation Manager at UniServices, says it is always gratifying to be able to help bridge the gap between research insight and commercial impact.
鈥淒igital Manufacturing Light shows what鈥檚 possible when industry and researchers work together. By facilitating the right discussions and connections, we鈥檙e helping businesses access expertise that can improve productivity, strengthen capability and position them for long-term success,鈥� says Spencer.
A smart investment in innovation
The expansion reflects the growing recognition that accelerating digital adoption is critical to New Zealand鈥檚 competitiveness. Research from Xero and the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research suggests that faster digital uptake across SMEs could lift national GDP by $8.6 billion.
By embedding digital skills within participating firms, Digital Manufacturing Light supports sustainable improvements that help capability remain within the business.
For manufacturers facing increasing global competition and margin pressures, the programme offers a practical, low-risk way to innovate.
Get involved
鈥淲e encourage small and medium-sized manufacturers in Auckland, Waikato, Northland and the Bay of Plenty to explore how Digital Manufacturing Light could support their next stage of growth,鈥� says Spencer.
Businesses interested in learning more or expressing interest in participating can contact:
dmlight@auckland.ac.nz
(Pictured: Hon. Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction, and Frank Bloomfield, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) for the University of Auckland, pictured at the launch of Digital Manufacturing Light at the University's Newmarket Innovation Precinct in February 2026. Photo credit: Chris Loufte)