University of Otago students were treated to a presentation on technology used for bladder cancer testing from Pacific Edge scientists this week.
Monday's event was part of the Tech Week celebrations.
Forty science students listened to Pacific Edge chief scientific officer Prof Parry Guilford at the Centre for Innovation.
He discussed the technology behind the company's molecular diagnostic test which is helping cancer patients across the world.
The talk was followed by a question and answer segment during which Pacific Edge product development scientist Luxmanan Selvanesan, statistical analyst Jasper Watson and Prof Guilford responded to students' queries about working for a biotech company.
The students were then given a tour of the Pacific Edge laboratories and office spaces.
Pacific Edge director, customer experience and digital marketing manager Dora Yip said event was to "celebrate all the good things happening in the technology and innovation space in Dunedin and New Zealand''.
The students relished the opportunity to learn some useful information and the panel valued nurturing the next generation of innovators, Miss Yip said.
Pacific Edge used the event to highlight Bladder Cancer Awareness Month in May and "blood spot critter'' face masks were provided for photos with a difference.
Blood is one of the most common symptoms of bladder cancer which many people ignore and Pacific Edge felt it was necessary to highlight that.
The event was held in collaboration with Chiasma Dunedin, a national student-led organisation that connects science students with the industry.
Miss Yip said Pacific Edge loved being part of the ``week-long national celebration of innovation'' and was already looking forward to participating next year.
- By KAYLA HODGE
