Tauranga Innovation Meetup March 2026: Turning Experience and Insight into an AI Startup with Billy Emeny and Vince Edwards

Innovation from the Pub: Turning Experience and Insight into an AI Startup with Billy Emeny and Vince Edwards 

We’re kicking off 2026 at the Tauranga Design & Innovation Meetup with a story that proves innovation doesn’t always start in a lab — sometimes it starts over a few drinks! Our first guest is Billy Emeny who is a hospitality veteran and the Co founder of Upsel, an AI-driven platform helping restaurants to train staff and run smarter. Upsel grew out of real frustrations and real opportunities, and Billy’s journey is a great example of what happens when understanding a problem meets the right person and tech to solve it. We’ll hear how he did it, and what he’s learned about turning  “there must be a better way” into a real business. 

Our other guest is Vince Edwards, Co-founder and CTO of Upsel. With years of experience developing SaaS products for startups, Vince is the technical force who transformed Billy’s hospitality insights into a scalable, AI-powered platform. Drawing on his deep expertise in building user-focused software, he engineered the Upsel AI engine and performance tracking features that automate training, motivate staff, and help restaurants boost revenue—delivering real results for teams in the Bay of Plenty and beyond. Their collaboration shows how domain expertise + technical execution can innovate something truly game-changing right here in Tauranga.

As always, expect plenty of questions, discussion and a chance to meet other creators and innovators from across the region in a relaxed setting.  And who knows, we may even take a short walk to sample some of CBK’s product…. 

When? 430PM to 630PM, Wednesday 25 March

Where? Priority One, 29 Grey St, Tauranga 

$5 entry, light refreshments included.