03
Sep
San Jose, California – Leading New Zealand tech expert Graeme Muller arrived back home from Silicon Valley today convinced New Zealand needs closer tech ties with Californian to help produce a thriving Kiwi economy.
Muller, chief executive of NZTech, was part of a large New Zealand contingent which has been engaging with leading US agribusinesses and Silicon Valley tech firms to learn about US agritech opportunities.
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03
Sep
At 5.30am this morning, my flight from San Francisco landed in Auckland, but the travel has been well worth the effort! After spending time in California, I now have a better understanding of how alternative protein companies are tracking towards commercialisation. Market entry won’t happen overnight, as many companies still need to scale manufacturing and I expect regulations will soon follow. What is important to note is that there are numerous companies and many of them are backed by serious funding. For example, Merck recently purchased a big chunk of Moss Meats. Merck has vast experience with large scale biotech production and associated regulatory regimes. My prediction is that one, or two of the cultured meat firms will have first generation products in the market by 2025. Conservatively, even if this was delayed until 2030, it’s still not too far into the future!
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30
Aug
Salinas, California – Agritech New Zealand has forged a partnership with a major American company to speed up growth of agritech in New Zealand.
The partnership with Western Growers will strengthen and accelerate the development of agritech markets in both countries, Agritech NZ executive director Peter Wren-Hilton said from Salinas, California, today.
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29
Aug
Silicon Valley – Agritech could be destined to save the New Zealand economy, leading New Zealand tech expert Graeme Muller says.
The tremendous worldwide demand for food continues to soar with some estimating the market to be worth $US3 trillion and much of the growth coming from specialty and healthy foods, Muller, the NZTech chief executive, says.
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27
Aug
Good morning from Silicon Valley! This week, I am in San Jose, California with the
Agritech New Zealand and Callaghan Innovation agritech immersion programme. Our delegation includes 30 delegates from throughout New Zealand and we have a full schedule. We are visiting several cutting edge farming facilities, meeting investors and forming connections with the US market. On Friday, we are joined by the New Zealand Ambassador for a
major international agritech announcement. Sounds exciting, I can’t wait.
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27
Aug
Market Measures benchmarks the sales and marketing activity of New Zealand’s technology companies, providing you with useful information for planning your sales and marketing strategies.
To find out more about Market Measures and to view past years’ reports and resources click here.
By participating in the study you can compare your company’s performance against your peers and US counterparts. You will be emailed the results of the study, including a free copy of the final report due out in October 2018 (worth $375) and the opportunity to attend webinars and events nationwide discussing Market Measures results and implications.
Take the survey
The survey closes end of day 13 September 2018.
20
Aug
Hi Readers
Last week, I had the pleasure of spending time with Minister Nash, the Minister of Small Business, Revenues and Police. We discussed many issues, but the focus of our meeting was the relationship between tech and small business.
I highlighted that most tech firms are also small businesses. For example, the recent announcement by the New Zealand Game Developers Association (NZGDA) that Game Studio revenues are growing at 43% and exceed $143m hides the fact that approximately $130m is coming from 10 large studios. There are hordes of small game studios, that with better access to support might also become multi-million-dollar exporters. Currently, NZTech, MBIE and the NZGDA are researching the local market and comparing it to international successes to identify ways to supercharge this sector. The research report is due for release later this year.
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13
Aug
Hi Readers
This week looks to be a busy one. Today, we start interviewing for the Techweek partnership manager. It’s not too late to throw your hat into the ring if you’re looking for a change.
On Tuesday we will be working with NZTE to integrate the UpStarters and Tech Story work with the Techweek team. I am delighted we can bring together these two exciting initiatives. It means the Techweek team can promote NZ tech and innovation all year round, not just during Techweek!
On Wednesday, following catch ups with members, I look forward to the relaunch of the NZ Story by the Prime Minister at Park Road Post Production. We simply do not spend enough money marketing New Zealand exports overseas. The NZ Story budget is a mere $3.5 million, while our . international competitors invest significantly more. For example, the Irish Government spends over $70 million a year promoting their primary sector exports.
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08
Aug
In less than a fortnight, more than 30 New Zealand agritech leaders will make history in Silicon Valley.
They will be part of the international 2018 Silicon Valley agritech immersion programme and Conference, involving Silicon Valley Forum, Tauranga’s Wharf42, Agritech New Zealand, Callaghan Innovation, and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
Agritech New Zealand executive director Peter Wren-Hilton says the four-year-old Silicon Valley agritech connection will have a significant and long-term impact on New Zealand’s emerging agritech sector.
“Agritech New Zealand is helping build a world class agritech ecosystem but New Zealand needs to integrate agriculture and technology to strengthen its primary export sector,” Wren-Hilton says.
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06
Aug
Hi Readers
For the past four years we have been working on three major projects with various government agencies to help grow tech exports.
When I started this job I looked into how other countries got famous for being good at tech. What did Israel do? What about Ireland? One of the common features of successful tech countries is that they have a shared story. Israel has been showcasing the Start-Up Nation story for over a decade.
Then I discovered that we now invest more than $100 million a year into promoting tourism so it’s no wonder we are known as a beautiful place to visit. Yet, at the same time, we only invest $3.5 million a year into a shared New Zealand Story for exporters. Until recently, this was mainly focused on traditional exports. In saying that, the latest marketing video for the New Zealand Story is awesome!
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