By techweek Techweek
10 May 2021
By most standards, New Zealand is a small country, but when it comes to technology and innovation, we sure know how to pack a mega punch. These days, technology is our third largest export – with Kiwi-founded tech companies thriving on the world stage.
Despite the impact of Covid-19, Technology Investment Network’s (TIN) annual report, Tech Pulse 2020, found that export revenue for the TIN200 companies reached $9.4 billion – an increase of 10.6% on the last year. That number is set to grow by $1 billion a year, every year over the next ten years.
Recently, Christchurch-based Seequent - a global leader in software for geological and geophysical modelling – sold for $1.05 billion to NASDAQ-listed Bentley Systems – a prime example of not only the innovation but also commercial success that’s coming out of our little island in the Pacific.
And there’s plenty more where that came from.
It’s not just the big players in our largest cities that are taking New Zealand tech to the world – there are success stories from almost every region.
In 2020, at least $158 million was invested in pioneering start-ups, a sure-fire sign that no matter where you are in Aotearoa, there is support for innovation to flourish.
Here’s where to find resources to support your tech start-up journey within New Zealand’s regions:
Venture Taranaki exists to support the country’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Hiringa Energy and Ballance Agri-Nutrients are jointly developing a project that will use wind turbines to produce hydrogen, which will then be used to create urea - the main ingredient in fertilisers.
This process will displace the need for imported fossil fuels and enable Ballance to start the transition away from using non-renewable hydrogen sources such as natural gas.
Kokiri is a 12-week, kaupapa-based start-up accelerator that supports early stage Maori-led enterprises.
Sprout has become one of Callaghan Innovation’s technology incubators.
Its investors include global venture capital firm Finistere Ventures, which is setting up a dedicated agri-tech fund for New Zealand - with funding secured from our Elevate Fund.
Te Ohaka is a home for early-stage, high-growth start-ups with an Incubation Programme supported by the partnership between Ministry of Awesome, Ara Institute of Canterbury, and Christchurch NZ.
Booster Investments has partnered with Otago Innovation to provide funding to commercialise innovations and research coming out of the University of Otago.
The MacDiarmid Institute is also running DiscoveryCamp in Dunedin and Palmerston North, a week-long science camp for year 12 and 13 Māori and Pasifika students with a genuine passion for the sciences.
New Zealand Growth Capital Partners support Kiwi start-ups become world-class companies.
If you’re a Kiwi tech start-up seeking funding, check out how our Aspire Fund can help kick-start your journey of innovation.
Article written by Hursh Shah, Investment Manager at NZ Growth Capital Partners
Subscribe to the Techweek newsletter for updates straight to your inbox:
20 May 2022
With 417 in-person, digital, hybrid and TWTV events, Techweek22 delivered a nationwide showcase of inspiring New Zealand tech stories, presentations, networking meetups, debates, leader panels, as well as interactive, education…
16 May 2022
The Australian education system is renowned as one of the best in the world.