Government backs NZ–US digital twin collaboration

The Government is investing up to $4.5 million over 4 years in a research partnership between the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin to develop AI-enabled digital twins, which are virtual models of human biology.

By combining physics-informed AI with multiscale biophysical modelling, the project will create digital twins — virtual, data-driven replicas of organs, organisms, and ecosystems. These tools will enable personalised healthcare, accelerate drug development, and support agricultural innovation by simulating responses to genetic and environmental changes. These next generation modelling techniques have potential applications in personalised care, treatment planning, and innovation across the health system and bioeconomy.

Analysis indicates the technology could deliver cost savings in New Zealand hospitals of up to $32 million a year and generate up to $16 million in potential licensing revenue, depending on uptake and implementation.

Funding is through the MBIE-administered Catalyst Fund. The programme will be in 2 phases, each phase will be 2 years. The second phase depends on getting US federal funding.

The United States is a key science and innovation partner for New Zealand, and this collaboration builds on shared strengths in bioengineering and artificial intelligence.