Winners 2014
Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 NZ Innovators Awards. See the full list of winners below.
SUPREME NEW ZEALAND INNOVATOR
Sponsored by Bayer New Zealand
This award is presented by Bayer New Zealand to the best overall entry. The Supreme Award winner is chosen from all categories.
WINNER: Precision Seafood Harvesting
Precision Seafood Harvesting is a new, sustainable fishing technology that will change the way New Zealand, and eventually the world, fishes. Precision Seafood Harvesting is the commercialisation phase of nearly ten years of New Zealand research by Plant & Food Research. Fishing companies Aotearoa Fisheries, Sanford and Sealord are key commercialisation partners with the Ministry for Primary Industries. Scientists at Plant & Food Research are partnering with the fishing companies to develop and trial the technology on commercial fishing vessels. The new harvest technology, Modular Harvesting System has a break-through design sees fish contained and swimming in a large flexible PVC liner. Holes in the liner allow small fish to escape at depth and, once on the deck, any off-target fish are able to be returned to the sea alive and unharmed. Enabling fish to be landed in a better condition also leads to premium pricing in export markets.
www.precisionseafoodharvesting.co.nz
Innovation in Agriculture and Environment
Sponsored by Bayer New Zealand
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Gallagher Group Ltd with Ring Top Post
WINNER: Scott Technology Ltd with the Automated Lamb Boning Room
In 2002 Otago-based Scott Technology had a vision to fully automate the lamb boning process. Now the vision has become a reality with a unique x-ray system that automatically scans a carcass and separates it according to the x-ray data. The equipment identifies the features in every product and adjusts cutting parameters appropriately, reducing bacteria and required labour. The Evaluators noted that this was a great example of fulfilling a real industry need. It benefits the NZ economy both through improved productivity and proven export sales and the whole system is grounded in the innovative application of technology.
www.scott.co.nz VIDEO - Andrew Arnold, Scott Technology Ltd
Innovation in Design and Engineering
Sponsored by James and Wells
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kaynemaile Ltd with Kaynemaile Seamless Mesh
WINNER: Rocket Lab Ltd with the Electron Launch Vehicle
Rocket Lab’s creation of a carbon-composite launch vehicle will allow businesses to launch satellites into orbit more cost effectively than anywhere else in the world. Built in their Auckland facility, it will also reduce launch lead-time from years down to weeks. It has the ability to deliver up to 100kg into low Earth orbits. The evaluators thought that the Rocket Lab have done a great job in working out a disruptive and market creating application for this breakthrough technology. This is a very exciting and inspiring story.
www.rocketlabusa.com/ VIDEO: Peter Beck, Rocket Lab Ltd
Innovation in Financial and Professional Services
Sponsored by Ideas Accelerator
HIGHLY COMMENDED: AIG Insurance New Zealand Ltd with NOVI
WINNER: Kiwibank with Home Hunter
With Home Hunter, any home buyer can find a house, get Kiwibank’s estimated price range and apply for pre-approval within minutes – all from their smart phone, tablet or computer. There is no other home buying app in the world that combines all the features of Home Hunter. It’s not just about using technology. Once a buy has applied for pre-approval, a Kiwibank home loans expert makes contact to add the crucial human-factor. The evaluators noted that this innovation is globally unique and a really good example of customer-centric design.
www.homehunter.co.nz VIDEO: Peter Fletcher-Dobson, Kiwibank
Innovation in Health and Science
Sponsored by NZ Innovation Council
HIGHLY COMMENDED: The University of Auckland with No More Needles
WINNER: Enztec with Quad Sparing Knee Replacement Instrument Range
Enztec is an example of a successful New Zealand Design Led company. By focusing on the human needs of patients, surgeons and healthcare professionals the Enztec range avoids surgery trauma for patient’s quadricep muscles. In 2014, export earnings are now projected to make up 99.8% of Enztec’s total sales. Enztec also engages with and supports New Zealand surgeons, nurses and local sales staff. Enztec works with New Zealand healthcare professionals to develop and test new products and ideas. Enztec is a great example of harnessing New Zealand Innovation to solve complex problems and to design and successfully deliver solutions to global markets.
www.enztec.co.nz VIDEO: Dr Iain McMillan, Enztec
Innovation in Hospitality, Food and Beverage
Sponsored by Yealands Wine Group NZ
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd with Functional Whey WPC550 & My Food Bag Ltd
WINNER: Fonterra Research and Development Centre with Noble Reduced Fat Cheddar
Noble Reduced Fat Cheddar was developed in the Manawatu at Fonterra after an opportunity was recognised; other countries had attempted to create a reduced fat cheese but failed to maintain full flavour and achieve a non-rubbery texture. The evaluators agreed that this is a classic R&D-led innovative solution, that addresses a problem and creates an opportunity and has great potential in global markets beyond Australia and Japan.
www.innovatefonterra.com VIDEO: Craig Honore & Ricardo Ramos, Fonterra Research and Development Centre
Innovation in Information Communications Technology and Cloud Solutions
Sponsored by Alcatel Lucent
HIGHLY COMMENDED: STQRY NZ Ltd
WINNER: I Measure U Ltd
This Auckland company has developed a monitor that provides real-time feedback on the impact your knees experience when running. This feedback can be used to monitor the cumulative load on joints, movement and performance and gives runners the ability to adjust technique to improve performance and prevent injuries. The evaluators thought this was a very impressive submission with some real international potential in a growing market.
www.imeasureu.com VIDEO: Mark Finch, I Measure U Ltd
Innovation in Marketing and Communications
Sponsored by Datamine
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Creative Hype with Promotion Sports Helmets
WINNER: EFTPlus
SME businesses can now compete for customer loyalty with larger, better resourced, competitors thanks to EFTPlus. The Auckland-based business has developed a world-leading customer loyalty platform that eliminates the need for customer cards or additional hardware and software. It can be tailored to each business and individual customers. The evaluators agreed that EFTPlus was a strong customer orientated innovation with exciting potential.
www.eftplus.co.nz VIDEO: Marcus Hoefliger, EFTPlus
Innovation in Media, Music and Entertainment
Sponsored by RadioLIVE
HIGHLY COMMENDED: 8i Ltd with 8iVR
WINNER: Kiwa Digital Ltd
Auckland-based KIWA is the world’s leading production house for experiential digital books. The company works closely with clients such as the Ministry of Education, Penguin and Sesame Workshop to create innovative digital formats that contribute to learning. It also creates its own products such as KIWA SLAM where students tell their own stories from their own culture in their own language. The evaluators noted that this was a Real commitment to innovation as a platform, not a just a product.
www.kiwadigital.com VIDEO: Steven Renata, Kiwa Digital Ltd
Innovation in Sustainability and Cleantech
Sponsored by Waterfront Auckland
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Foodstuffs NZ with Foodstuffs New Waste Management Plan & Scott Biosystems Ltd with the Spin Separator System
WINNER: Precision Seafood Harvesting
Precision Seafood Harvesting have designed a break through trawl net. The Modular Harvesting System contains fish in a large flexible PVC liner with holes to allow small fish to escape. The evaluators thought this was a fantastic example of innovation through collaboration with many partners. It solves a complex set of problems and creates something that delivers value through a multi-pronged approach; better quality fish, more environmentally sound, and a boost to New Zealand's innovation and sustainability credentials.
www.precisionseafoodharvesting.co.nz VIDEO: Greg Johansson, Sanford Limited
Emerging New Zealand Innovator
Sponsored by AUT University
This award is given to an organisation that has made a commitment to developing a new technology, product or service (that is only just in market – pre-commercial) and that will transform the way we work and live.
WINNER: Solar Bright with PATeye
Christchurch company Solar Bright uses energy efficient technologies to develop innovative products. The latest star is PATeye, an ice-detection road stud that flashes blue when ice forms on the road, thus warning motorists of potential hazards ahead. Solar Bright has secured local and overseas patents and is looking at launching this unique and novel product to the global market. The evaluators believe that this innovation was well developed and were particularly impressed with the strong IP position the company has invested in. This is an exciting opportunity with clear international market potential and they wish Solar Bright well for the future.
www.solarbright.co.nz VIDEO: Pat Martin, Solar Bright
Most Inspiring Individual
Sponsored by NZ Innovation Council
This award is given to an individual that has shown outstanding innovation success in their field of expertise, either through the development of intellectual property or through the launch of a new product or venture.
WINNER: Peter Beck at Rocket Lab Ltd with the Electron Launch Vehicle
Peter Beck is CEO and technical director of Rocket Lab, a New Zealand rocket technology company. He founded Rocket Lab in 2006 and led it to accomplish its first major goal of building and launching a rocket to reach space in 2009. He continues to lead Rocket Lab as a high-tech company in international markets. The evaluators noted that Peter’s story was truly inspirational and exciting for New Zealand. A disruptive technology which could be a big deal. They wish him well for the launch in 2015!
www.rocketlabusa.com VIDEO: Peter Beck, Rocket Lab Ltd
Export Innovator of the Year
Sponsored by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE)
This award celebrates organisations that have achieved excellence in export innovation. To grow New Zealand’s economy we need to encourage and recognise organisations that have developed great new products and services that are export focused.
WINNER: Enztec with the Quad Sparing Knee Replacement Instrument Range
Enztec is an example of a successful New Zealand Design Led company. By focusing on the human needs of patients, surgeons and healthcare professionals the Enztec range avoids surgery trauma for patient’s quadricep muscles. In 2014, export earnings are now projected to make up 99.8% of Enztec’s total sales. Enztec also engages with and supports New Zealand surgeons, nurses and local sales staff. Enztec works with New Zealand healthcare professionals to develop and test new products and ideas. Enztec is a great example of harnessing New Zealand Innovation to solve complex problems and to design and successfully deliver solutions to global markets.
www.enztec.co.nz VIDEO: Dr Iain McMillan, Enztec
Innovation Excellence in Research
Sponsored by 3M
WINNER: The University of Auckland with No More Needles
This award celebrates those that have completed a research project that has excellent commercialisation potential and impact. The University of Auckland has invented a drug delivery device that uses jet injection technology to eliminate the need for needles. The device uses a powerful, compact motor that propels liquid through the skin in a precise and comfortable fashion. Its mosquito mimicking function also allows fluid to be withdrawn gently through a small hole in the skin. The evaluators believe that this innovation could revolutionise healthcare. It is safer for healthcare workers and non-threatening for all kinds of patients.
www.abi.auckland.ac.nz VIDEO: Andrew Taberner, The University of Auckland
Excellence in Social Innovation
Sponsored by Tangible Media
WINNER: The Mind Lab by Unitec
The Mind Lab by Unitec is a private-public partnership developed to address the needs of 21st Century learners. It provides hands-on education on various science and technology topics across a wide range of subjects to Year 1 – Year 13 students. It also provides post-graduate teaching studies in digital and collaborative learning. The evaluators commented that The Mind Lab have tackled a significant issue in a very positive way. Truly inspirational and there is no doubt that this innovation will gain tremendous support and momentum. Well done!
http://themindlab.com/ VIDEO: Chris Clay & Coco Kim-Corey, The Mind Lab by Unitec
Sustained Innovation Excellence Award
Sponsored by NZ Innovators Awards
AWARDED TO: Gallagher Group Ltd
Gallagher’s with their two 2014 entries of Ring Top Post and T20 were finalists an incredible 6 times. The Ring Top Post in Innovation in Agriculture & Environment and the T20 in Innovation in Design & Engineering. Both Gallagher submissions also reached the finals of Emerging New Zealand Innovator as well as Export Innovator of the Year categories. This followed on from 2013 when Gallagher’s submission the i Series Fence Energizer system reached the finals in both Innovation in Agriculture & Environment and Export Innovator of the Year.
Gallagher Group have been Awarded the Sustained Innovation Excellence Award. This is in recognition of their culture and systems of innovation that have resulted in sustained market success. There use of both learning first product development, design thinking and a culture of innovation are clearly working for them with inspiring market impact and results.
www.gallagher.co.nz VIDEO: Sir William Gallagher, Gallagher Group Ltd
The People's Choice
Sponsored by Idealog
AWARDED TO: Snap Information Technologies with Electronic Monitoring for Sustainable Fisheries Management
Nelson based SnapIT have developed an integrated video observation unit for New Zealand fisheries using innovative camera hardware, software and cloud storage systems to replace on board human observers with recorded video. The unit collects information for fisheries research, management and enforcement using its 360 degree video and built in GPS. SnapIT also delivers content from 60+ SnapitHD tourism cameras around New Zealand to millions of users per week via the internet and provides security and construction monitoring solutions using their cameras.
www.snapithd.com VIDEO: Chris Rodley, Snap Infomation Technologies
