New Zealand StartupDigest – December 5, 2011

6/12/2011

Below is an archived version of the New Zealand StartupDigest Events List – a weekly curated listing of the best tech startup events in New Zealand. If you would like to get next week’s digest on Monday, sign up here.

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Technology incubation seems to be the topic of choice at present. Auckland hosted last week’s “technopolicy” conference that earnestly engaged commercialisation managers and policy makers; this week we hear from the CEO of one of Israel’s earliest tech incubators. On the other hand, some experienced entrepreneurs are questioning they way incubation is being handled in New Zealand. Rowan Simpson’s recent poston this topic and the related comments are well worth reading.
New Zealand StartupDigest is curated by:
Paul Spence – co-founder of iWantMyName and manager for Unlimited Potential’s W2W, New Zealand’s leading showcase event for emerging web and software startups. He can be found on Twitter @GeniusNet.

 

 

What’s Going on in the New Zealand Startup Community

MSI Seminar – From Oranges to Incubators
When: Monday, December 5, 9.45am
Where: University of Auckland Business School, Owen Glenn Building, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland

Find out how Israel transformed from a largely agricultural economy to having dozens of listed hi-tech companies. Hear from Oren Gershtein, CEO of Israel’s Van Leer Ventures.

 

Innovation Through Science
When: Monday, December 5, 5pm
Where: Lower NZI Conference Room, Auckland Convention Centre, Aotea Square, Auckland

Sir Peter Gluckman, science advisor to the Prime Minister, will be speaking about how new knowledge underpins economic development and prosperity.

 

Christmas On The Deck
When: Tuesday, December 6, 5pm
Where: Ernst & Young, 2 Takutai Square, Britomart, Auckland

NZBio, NZVCA and the Angel Association combined Christmas social event.

 

Moving Your Business Into The Cloud
When: Tuesday, December 6, 3.30pm
Where: 3Months, Saatchi & Saatchi Bldg, Cnr Taranki St & Courtenay Place

Aimed at non-technical small and medium sized business owners, this presentation from agile web solutions developer 3Months will shed light on how cloud based services can improve business productivity.

 

Automation and Robotics Conference
When: 6-8 December
Where: James Cook Chancellor Hotel, The Terrace, Wellington

Academic conference looking at global robotics research directions.

 

Indie Game Dev Showcase & Christmas Party
When: Wednesday December 7, 6pm
Where: Media Design School, 92 Albert Street, Auckland

Smallwords is an online social game that began in New Zealand and now has over 7 million users worldwide. CEO and founder Mitch Olsen will be the keynote speaker.

 

Auckland Ruby Meetup
When: Wednesday December 7, 6.30pm
Where: 57 Wellington Street, Auckland

Ruby on Rails fans gather to exchange notes over a beer. Don’t forget also that the 2012 Rails Camp has been laid down for February.

 

MSI Seminar – From Oranges to Incubators
When: Thursday, December 8, 10am
Where: Ministry for Science and Innovation, Level 3, 33 Bowen Street, Wellington

Find out how Israel transformed from a largely agricultural economy to having dozens of listed hi-tech companies. Hear from Oren Gershtein, CEO of one of Israel’s Van Leer Ventures. Please RSVP to: Gita.Parsot@msi.govt.nz.

 

 

Top Upcoming Events

December 13 - Christmas Over The City
December 13 - NZSA Networking Dinner

 

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New Zealand StartupDigest – November 28, 2011

29/11/2011

Below is an archived version of the New Zealand StartupDigest Events List – a weekly curated listing of the best tech startup events in New Zealand. If you would like to get next week’s digest on Monday, sign up here.

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Commercialising intellectual property from within our scientific and academic institutions is one of the most important tasks that lies ahead for our innovators and entrepreneurs, if we are to to generate significant economic growth in the future. Over the next two weeks, in the lead up to Christmas, we feature a bunch of events focused on this critical task.
New Zealand StartupDigest is curated by:
Paul Spence – co-founder of iWantMyName and manager for Unlimited Potential’s W2W, New Zealand’s leading showcase event for emerging web and software startups. He can be found on Twitter @GeniusNet.

 

 

What’s Going on in the New Zealand Startup Community

An Approach to Managing Online Transactions
When: Monday, November 28, 12pm midday
Where: University of Auckland Business School, Room 323, Level 3, Owen G Glenn Building, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland

Visiting Professor Amit Basu will describe research into an approach that can be used not only for online marketplaces, but also for other intermediated processes such as open source software development contracting and online voting.

 

Science Based Incubators Conference
When: November 28-29
Where: Sky City Convention Centre, Federal Street, Auckland

International conference for managers of business incubators related to scientific institutions.

 

ISPIM Innovation Symposium
When: November 29 – December 2
Where: VUW School of Management, Rutherford House, 23 Lambton Quay, Wellington

A conference for academics and professionals interested and involved in innovation management from research, industry, universities and intermediary organisations.

 

Creating Value From Innovation
When: Wednesday, November 30, 9am
Where: Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, University of Waikato, Gate 1 Knighton Road, Hamilton

Workshop aimed at assisting researchers with the commercialisation process.

 

e2e Startup Meetup – From Startup to IPO
When: Friday, December 2, 12.30pm
Where: The Biocommerce Centre, 21 Dairy Farm Road, Palmerston North

Speaker Isaac Bentwich is an Israeli entrepreneur who took a small biotech company to a share market listing.

 

 

Top Upcoming Events

December 5 - MSI Seminar – From Oranges to Incubators
December 6 - Christmas On The Deck
December 6 - Moving Your Business Into The Cloud
6-8 December - Automation and Robotics Conference
December 7 - Indie Game Dev Showcase & Christmas Party
December 7 - Auckland Ruby Meetup

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New Zealand StartupDigest – October 17, 2011

18/10/2011

Below is an archived version of the New Zealand StartupDigest Events List – a weekly curated listing of the best tech startup events in New Zealand. If you would like to get next week’s digest on Monday, sign up here.

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It looks like a busy event week for Auckland innovators and entrepreneurs. Meanwhile in Wellington we are working hard preparing for our first Startup Weekend, which is coming up on the weekend of 4-6 November. There’s also a free social warm-up event where anyone can come along and find out more about Startup Weekend before signing up.
 

New Zealand StartupDigest is curated by:
Paul Spence – co-founder of iWantMyName and manager for Unlimited Potential’s W2W, New Zealand’s leading showcase event for emerging web and software startups. He can be found on Twitter @GeniusNet.

 

 

What’s Going on in the New Zealand Startup Community

Strategies For Building High Growth Ventures

When: Monday, October 17, 9am

Where: Room 223, Owen Glenn Building, UABS, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland

Speaker Professor George Foster is currently Chair of the Global Council of the World Economic Forum on Fostering Entrepreneurship.

 

VUW Alumni Talk: Rowan Simpson

When: Tuesday, October 18, 5.30pm

Where: Room 102, MacDiarmid Building, Victoria University, Kelburn Parade, Wellington

From TradeMe to Xero to VendHQ, Rowan Simpson has a lifetime of experience working with entrepreneurs to develop cool products on the web. A rare chance to hear him speak about his journey so far.

 

SMC Auckland – Social Gaming & Gamification

When: Tuesday, October 18, 6pm

Where: YouBee, Britomart, Auckland

 

What’s got gamers buzzing? A who’s who of the New Zealand game development industry presenting at this huge event, including Mitch Olson from Small Worlds, an Auckland-based social game that has grown to more than 6 million users.

 

Spark Prize Giving

When: Wednesday, October 19

Where: Level 1 Foyer, OGGB, UoA Business School

 

Nerves are jangling amongst the Spark contestants in the lead up to this event. Uber global entrepreneur Owen Glenn will be keynote speaker.

 

Auckland Tech Startups Meetup

When: Wednesday, October 19, 6pm

Where: t.b.a.

 

Hear from inventor James Madelin who is commercialising hardware and software for photographers with the help of the Icehouse incubator. You need to join the group to sign up.

 

Scion Bioplastics Workshop

When: October 20

Where: Rotorua

 

New Zealand is well placed to take a leadership role in this emerging area of technology and sustainability.

 

VFX With Cris Casares

When: Thursday, October 20, 5.30pm

Where: WF503, AUT Business School, Wakefield Street, Auckland

 

Cris Casares, the Visual Effects producer at Images & Sound will explore with you the design of virtual sets and the challenges of CGI integration into reality.

 

 

Top Upcoming Events

October 25-27 - NZVCA Conference

October 26 - UP AGM & Beer Tasting

October 27 - Startup Social

October 28 - Spidertracks – Learning to Fly

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New Zealand StartupDigest – August 22, 2011

22/08/2011

Below is an archived version of the New Zealand StartupDigest Events List – a weekly curated listing of the best tech startup events in New Zealand. If you would like to get next week’s digest on Monday, sign up here.

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Headline act for this week has to be We Can Create, a two-day celebration of design and creativity featuring award winning global designers, music, parties and creative industry commentary. Down in the capital, the weekend is taken up with full blown geekery and engaging tech talks at the Python developers conference.

New Zealand StartupDigest is curated by: 

Paul Spence, co-founder of iWantMyName and manager for Unlimited Potential’s W2W, New Zealand’s leading showcase event for emerging web and software startups. He can be found on Twitter @GeniusNet.

What’s Going on in the New Zealand Startup Community

Ray Avery Talks
When: August 16-29
Where: Various 

Medical technology entrepreneur and visionary Ray Avery speaks as part of the IPENZ Pickering Lecture Series.

Computing and Collaboration Seminar

When: Monday, August 22, 11am
Where: University of Auckland Business School, Grafton Road, Auckland

A rare opportunity to hear one of Microsoft’s most senior executives speak. Norm Judah began his career on the startup team for Microsoft Consulting Services and now manages risk and quality across the company whilst building relationships with user and developer communities globally.

Bright Ideas Seminar – Building Teams

When: Tuesday, August 23, 5.30pm

Where: St Johns Church Hall, Cnr. Dixon and Willis Streets, Wellington

A discussion facilitated by growth management consultant Mark Robotham, with guest entrepreneur Cameron Melhopt from highly successful Starnow.com.

Springboard

When: Tuesday, August 23, 5.30pm

Where: Russell McVeagh, Level 24, Vodafone on the Park, 157 Lambton Quay, Wellington

With Maori entrepreneurs emerging as a force for economic change, Dr. Kathie Irwin will speak about her governance experience within numerous educational boards, Maori economic development agencies and not-for-profit sectors.

MediaSense

When: Thursday, August 25, 9.30am

Where: Telecom HQ, Telecom Place, Auckland

How businesses engage, measure and profit from the growing use of social media. Don’t abstain from this event, hosts Telecom will no doubt have some topical and highly valuable insights to share.

We Can Create

When: August 26-27

Where: ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland

Art, design, fashion, music, animation and much more. If you work in the creative industries, here’s two days of full on stimulation for the right brained amongst us.

Kiwi Pycon

When: August 27/28

Where: Te Whaea, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown, Wellington

Python developers converge on the capital for a weekend of informative talks, networking and good pizza.

Top Upcoming Events

August 30 - Web Speed With Geekzone

September 1 - Tauranga Web Meetup

September 5 - Social Media Club – TWhittakers

 

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New Zealand StartupDigest – August 15, 2011

16/08/2011

Below is an archived version of the New Zealand StartupDigest Events List – a weekly curated listing of the best tech startup events in New Zealand. If you would like to get next week’s digest on Monday, sign up here.

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At home shivering with the cold snap? Put your winter woolies on and warm your spirits with some tech event hospitality. Ray Avery is on tour throughout New Zealand, plus there are two big software meetups in Auckland featuring serial tech entrepreneur and advisor Lance Wiggs. Don’t forget the Unlimited Investment Challenge closes in less than two weeks. Sharpen those pencils to attract advice and capital for your growing business. 

New Zealand StartupDigest is curated by:
Paul Spence, co-founder of iWantMyName and manager for Unlimited Potential’s W2W, New Zealand’s leading showcase event for emerging web and software startups. He can be found on Twitter @GeniusNet.

 

What’s Going on in the New Zealand Startup Community

Ray Avery Talks
When: August 16-29
Where: Various 

Medical technology entrepreneur and visionary Ray Avery speaks as part of the IPENZ Pickering Lecture Series.

Auckland Tech Startups Meetup
When: Wednesday, August 17, 6pm
Where: t.b.a.

Join the discussion around customer development led by serial entrepreneur Lance Wiggs and Koordinates co-founder Rob Koup, plus Glen Harris, a technology entrepreneur who sold his invention to Logitech.

Auckland ICT Networking Event
When: Thursday, August 18, 5pm
Where: Telstra Clear Centre, 21 Northcote Road, Takapuna, North Shore

Former TradeMe advisor, co-founder of Pacific Fibre and serial entrepreneur Lance Wiggs speaking.

Spark Challenge Qualifiers Ceremony
When: Friday, August 19, 5.30pm
Where: Fisher & Paykel Auditorium, University of Auckland School of Business, Grafton Road, Auckland

 

Top Upcoming Events

August 25 - Mediasense
August 25 - Unlimited Investment Challenge Closes
August 26-27 - We Can Create
August 27-28 - Kiwi Pycon

 

 

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New Zealand StartupDigest – August 1, 2011

1/08/2011

Below is an archived version of the New Zealand StartupDigest Events List – a weekly curated listing of the best tech startup events in New Zealand. If you would like to get next week’s digest on Monday, sign up here.

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It looks like a very busy event week for tech entrepreneurs. There’s a big drive on at present to encourage entrepreneurship across many disciplines at the University of Auckland and the student led bioentrepreneurs from Chiasma have put together an amazing line-up for the Synapse event on Wednesday. Additionally, the Spark $100k Challenge aims to assist staff and students to commercialise ideas and research. Applications for the challenge close on August 8th. 

New Zealand StartupDigest is curated by:
Paul Spence, co-founder of iWantMyName and manager for Unlimited Potential’s W2W, New Zealand’s leading showcase event for emerging web and software startups. He can be found on Twitter @GeniusNet.

 

What’s Going on in the New Zealand Startup Community

Climate Change & Business Conference
When: August 1-2
Where: Convention Centre, Wakefield Street, Wellington 

Major Trans-Tasman conference focusing on social and economic issues of climate change and the business opportunities arising from cleantech. Emerging local companies will be showcased in the trade show.

Synapse 2011
When: Wednesday, August 3, 6pm
Where: OGGB4, Owen Glenn Building, University of Auckland Business School, Grafton Road, Auckland

Hosted by Chiasma, the University of Auckland’s link to bioenterprise, Synapse features talks, exhibits and networking with leading biotech entrepreneurs.

Wellington .NET User Group Meetup
When: Wednesday, August 3, 6pm
Where: Reserve Bank Museum, 2 The Terrace, Wellington

Web Dev Con organiser and Xero chief architect Owen Evans delves into future scenarios on the web by looking at Windows 8 and HTML 5.

Game Developers Meetup
When: Wednesday, August 3, 6pm
Where: Media Design School, 92 Albert Street, Auckland

Speakers from two of our leading games dev companies Sidhe and Runaway Play, plus business networking and pizza.

Entre Fasttrack
When: Wednesday, August 3, 6pm
Where: E7, University of Canterbury, Christchurch

Well known business advisor and facilitator Mark Robotham speaking.

Mix & Mash Blend
When: Thursday, August 4, 6pm
Where: Auckland Town Hall, 303 Queen Street, Auckland

Launch event for the Mix & mash competition. An eclectic evening of music, commentary and fun in conjunction with Orcon and Public Address.

Unitec Forum For The Future
When: Thursday, August 4
Where: Unitec, 1 Carrington Road, Mt Albert, Auckland

This forum will focus on the changing role of Maori entrepreneurship as Maori take on an increasingly important role in the economy.

 

Top Upcoming Events

August 9 - NZSA Innovation Acceleration

 

 

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New Zealand StartupDigest – July 25, 2011

26/07/2011

Below is an archived version of the New Zealand StartupDigest Events List – a weekly curated listing of the best tech startup events in New Zealand. If you would like to get next week’s digest on Monday, sign up here.

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Mix and Mash is offering $40,000 in cash and prizes for the best mash-up and remixes of New Zealand digital content and public data. The award for Best Mash-Up is decided by public vote so get your nominations in this week. It’s also Co-founder Matchmaking time once again. I will be helping to run this hugely popular annual event on Tuesday evening – hope to see you there. Got a startup, technology or innovation event coming up? Drop us a note, we’d love to share. 

New Zealand StartupDigest is curated by:
Paul Spence, co-founder of iWantMyName and manager for Unlimited Potential’s W2W, New Zealand’s leading showcase event for emerging web and software startups. He can be found on Twitter @GeniusNet.

 

What’s Going on in the New Zealand Startup Community

Unlimited Potential Co-founders Matchmaking
When: Tuesday, July 26, 5.30pm
Where: Macs Brewery, Cnr. Taranaki & Cable Streets, Wellington 

Entrepreneurial designers and developers meet Bright Ideas Challenge entrants at this facilitated business matchmaking event.

Spark Workshop
When: Wednesday, July 27, 6pm
Where: Decima Glenn Room 310, Level 3, University of Auckland School of Business, Grafton Road, Auckland

Expert advice available preparing your venture proposal for the Spark Challenge plus tips on elevator pitches.

Ignite Auckland
When: Thursday, July 28, 6pm
Where: Generator, 22 Customs Street, Auckland

Flash talks from movers and shakers in the fields of technology, business and science.

Mix and Mash Entries Close
When: Friday, July 29, 5pm
Where: Various

 

Top Upcoming Events

August 1-2 - Climate Change & Business Conference

August 3 - Synapse 2011

August 3 - Entre Fasttrack

August 4 - Mix & Mash Blend

 

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New Zealand StartupDigest – May 23, 2011

24/05/2011

Below is an archived version of the New Zealand StartupDigest Events List – a weekly curated listing of the best tech startup events in New Zealand. If you would like to get next week’s digest on Monday, sign up here.

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Smallworlds CEO Mitch Olson kindly helped us out at Auckland Startup Weekend recently; so it was pleasing to hear last week about SmallWorlds recent successful funding round and how the flash based virtual playground has been signing up millions of users and proudly taking Kiwi technology global. Speaking of tech innovators, Aucklanders will have a tough choice on Tuesday night – Spark Challenge or Tech Startup Meetup? Got a public startup, tech or innovation event you’d like to share? Drop us a note. We now reach more than 600 developers, catalysts and deal makers in the New Zealand business startup community.

New Zealand StartupDigest is curated by:
Paul Spence, co-founder of iWantMyName and manager for Unlimited Potential’s W2W, New Zealand’s leading showcase event for emerging web and software startups. He can be found on Twitter @GeniusNet.

 

What’s Going on in the New Zealand Startup Community

Spark Challenge Prize-Giving
When: Tuesday, May 24, 5.45pm
Where: Owen Glenn Building, University of Auckland Business School, Grafton Road, AucklandSpark assists university researchers with the commercialisation of fresh ideas and with more than $30,000 in prizes on offer and numerous innovators, entrepreneurs and investors present this is sure to be a great networking event. 

Auckland Tech Startup Meetup
When: Tuesday, May 24, 6pm
Where: t.b.a.

The place to go to share experiences and seek advice if you are involved in starting a tech venture in Auckland.

Creative Suite 5.5 Launch
When: Tuesday, May 24, 5.30pm
Where: 20 Kent Terrace, Wellington

A sneak preview of Adobe’s latest Creative Suite software. Pizza and cupcakes on hand for hungry developers and designers at this free user group event.

 

Top Upcoming Events

21-23 June – Investment Ready Workshops

 

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