Innovation Summit | Thursday 11 April

Moananui and Nelson Regional Development Agency are hosting New Zealand’s first Blue Economy Innovation Summit on Thursday 11 April 2024 in Nelson. The Summit will bring together leading blue economy businesses and innovators, universities and research institutions, funders and navigators.

Unlocking access to the innovation ecosystem is critical to the future of New Zealand’s blue economy. The Summit is therefore designed to showcase the best of innovation and collaboration pathways, build networks, drive R&D and create opportunities for commercial projects.

The day is centred around fast-fire presentations and panel discussions. Key to turning the event into action, there is significant time for networking and space for breakout meetings.

Join us for this exciting and unique event.

The Summit starts at 9am at Nelson’s Trafalgar Stadium Northern Extension. Presenters include AUT, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, Victoria University, Lincoln University, the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Cawthron Institute, and Plant & Food Research.

The Agenda for the day follows:

9.00	Mihi Whakatau / Welcome	Shane Graham Doug Steiner (emcee)
9.10	Opening Address	Mayor Nick Smith
9.30	AUT Presentation	Felix Tan Lindsey White
9.45	Lincoln University Presentation	Paul Dalziel Anya Hornsey Travis Glare
10.00	Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Presentation	Denise Hearn Shenae Wales
10.15	Plant & Food Research Presentation	Helen Palmer Mark Jarvis
10.30	Morning Tea Break out Conversations
11.15	University of Canterbury Presentation	Tim Rensen Rory Clifford
11.30	Victoria University Presentation	Ivy Liu
11.45	NIWA Presentation	Mike Williams
12.00	Public Private Partnerships Panel Discussion	Facilitator Helen Palmer Plant & Food David Wilson MPI Fiona Wilson NRDA Marshall Bell NZFIN Alex Bunce NZTE
12.30	Lunch Break out Conversations
1.30	University of Auckland Presentation	Luke Spencer
1.45	Cawthron Institute Presentation	Chris Cornelisen Eric Swale
2.00	Commercial Partnerships Panel Discussion	Facilitator Jodie Kuntzsch Moananui Chris Rodley SnapCore Paul Miller Kernohan Engineering Deborah Crowe KiwiNet Andrew Luke Ngāti Rārua
2.45	Afternoon Tea Break out Conversations
3.15	Financial Partnerships Panel Discussion	Facilitator Doug Steiner EHF Stephanie Benseman Icehouse Ventures Bren Callaghan Westpac Tracy Atkin Angel Investors Marlborough Margo Bethell BioPacific Partners
4.00	Innovation Exercise
4.30	Kōrero Whakakapi / Wrap Up	Shane Graham Doug Steiner
4.45	Networking Function
6.00	Event End

Showcase Day | Friday 12 April

Nelson Tasman is the hub of New Zealand’s blue economy with over 400 maritime businesses in the region and home to the Moananui cluster.

The Friday following the Summit is an opportunity to engage directly with blue economy innovation. Moananui partners will be hosting various events throughout the region.

To participate please register for your events of choice via this link to Showcase Events.