Connecting Innovative New Zealand and Korean Tech Companies
A New Zealand Tech Roadshow is visiting Korea this week for a series of events designed to connect innovative New Zealand tech firms with tech-savvy Korean counterparts.
The roadshow is supported by the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea, known as “The Kiwi Chamber,” and the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul.
As part of the chamber’s “Inspire with Innovation” series, the roadshow aims to demonstrate the strength of New Zealand technology and connect the world-class technology ecosystems of both countries. Technology is critical to the future prosperity of both countries. It is the fastest growing sector of the New Zealand economy, growing 11 percent to over NZ$11 billion in 2018. Export revenue of NZ$7.9 billion makes it New Zealand’s third largest export sector.
“New Zealand’s place at the edge of the world has driven us to be creative, practical, and ready to challenge convention,” remarked Philip Turner, New Zealand Ambassador to Korea. “We are not the biggest, but we strive to find new ways to do things. We are a country-sized incubator, leading the way. We have a tradition of New Zealander trailblazing – a New Zealander was the first to split the atom, the first to invent the jetboat, first to invent disposable syringes.”
Tech Roadshow includes four key New Zealand tech firms from a range of sectors: Aware Group (artificial intelligence); Centrality (blockchain, artificial intelligence, IoT); Revolution Fibres (nanofibre textiles); and Code Avengers (education technology). Each company will be matched over a three-day period with firms such as Samsung Electronics, SK Telecom and Mirae Asset, along with other local tech companies, government entities and organizations.
“The Kiwi Chamber’s ‘Inspire with Innovation Series’ has been a major success enabling us to focus on technology and innovation, which is a great New Zealand story,” explained Dr. Tony Garrett, chairman of the Kiwi Chamber. “These four tech firms demonstrate the integrity, collaboration and accountability that Korean firms will experience in their partnerships with New Zealand companies.”
There will be a special “Inspire With Innovation” reception at the New Zealand Ambassador’s Residence on June 18 and a Kiwi Chamber Hui (a traditional Maori social gathering), for networking among participating firms, the business community and government representatives, the next day.
The New Zealand Tech Roadshow in Korea is a collaboration between The Kiwi Chamber and the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul with support from key organizations such as NZTE, KEA, ExportNZ, Priority One, Callaghan Innovation, NZTech, Otago Southland Employers Association, Christchurch City Council and Asia New Zealand Foundation.
The Kiwi Chamber consists of over 250 members and was officially launched in November 2008. The chamber’s main mission is to support its members, New Zealand businesses in Korea and Korean businesses interested in the New Zealand-Korea commercial relationship.
