Investment in research and development in the tech sector has quadrupled over the past decade in New Zealand. It now accounts for a third of the total R&D investment. While only 10% of the New Zealand population lives in Wellington, 16% of the country’s tech workers are based here.
Research and innovation
Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington has the largest computer graphics research group in the southern hemisphere. Its strengths are in real-time computer graphics, virtual reality, and character animation. The School of Engineering and Computer Science focuses on subject areas including artificial intelligence, computer graphics and games, electronics, and software engineering.
Part of VUW, Paihau-Robinson Research Institute is renowned for its high-temperature superconducting research. It’s also developing the world’s first hybrid-electric jet plane with NASA.
Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand's innovation agency, is in Wellington. It focuses on helping businesses innovate and grow. It has world-class innovation hubs and accelerator programmes that provide a springboard for smart ideas.
“We’re stoked we started here in Te Whanganui a Tara where we are close to our customers, regulators and strong community who continue to support our growth and bring our purpose to life.”
A connected industry
New Zealand is often ranked as one of the easiest countries in the world to do business. Wellington prides itself on being a strong hub for CreativeTech, CleanTech, and FinTech startups. There are more than 4,500 tech companies in the city.
For example, Volpara Health is at the forefront of AI-driven breast cancer screening. Open Star is working on nuclear fusion alternatives to fossil fuels.
Well-known brands TradeMe and Xero had their start in Wellington and still call it home. They paved the way for more tech companies to flourish. FinTech companies such as Hnry, Sharesies, PaySauce, and CoGo were founded in Wellington. Visual effects companies PikPok, WētaFX, 808 Ltd, and Floating Rock base themselves in the capital.
How we can
Business Events Wellington’s networks can connect you to researchers and experts in these fields. The team can also support an international conference bid. Wellington is a super-connected, collaborative city, making it easy to tap into local experts.
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