Fieldays Innovation Accelerator showcases Kiwi tech

The Fieldays Innovation Accelerator is a new initiative sponsored by Callaghan Innovation and aims to help Kiwi innovators rise to the global stage.

Kiwi companies who have previously exhibited at the Innovation Centre will continue their innovation journey with Fieldays, working to commercialise and increase their connectivity within the domestic and international marketplace, by exhibiting at the Innovation Accelerator this June 10.

Richard Templer, Callaghan Innovation Research and Technical Services general manager, says, "[Callaghan Innovation] is delighted to be a partner for the inaugural Innovation Accelerator at this year's Fieldays and that the theme of innovation continues to grow in profile and importance at the event.

"Many of New Zealand's technology exporting successes have their roots in the agricultural sector, and agri-tech continues to be a hotbed of innovation in the New Zealand economy," says Templer.

Establishing the Innovation Accelerator was a logical evolution for Fieldays as an incubator and catalyst for agritech innovation, according to a statement.

"We recognise that Fieldays must continue to evolve and adapt if we are to remain relevant and connected to New Zealand's agri tech and agribusiness sector," says Jon Calder, Fieldays chief executive.

"In this way, Fieldays is much more than a trade show. Our mission is to advance agriculture.

"The technology and innovation that Fieldays showcases and supports through our Innovation ecosystem are products, concepts and thinking that will continue to ensure New Zealand remains a leading agribusiness nation globally," he says.

Exhibiting in Fieldays Innovation Accelerator is a once-off opportunity. Following this, companies must exhibit in the main area of Fieldays.

Fieldays has seen many Kiwi innovations, whether from the Fieldays Innovation Awards or Fieldays Innovation Den powered by SODA Inc, achieve 'unprecedented' success in their endeavours after entering in the Innovation Centre at Fieldays.

This year's exhibitors include Andweeder, DTexH2O Co Ltd, Kindling Cracker, Maxi-Trak Quatro, Maraeroa C Incorporation, Revolutionary Beekeeping, Southern Humates, Two Hands and UBCO Ltd.

Aeronavicswill also be exhibiting at the Innovation Centre. The designer and manufacturer of remotely-piloted aerial systems (RPAS) launched its first product in 2010 and has now secured premier international clients such as NASA, Disney and DreamWorks.

Aeronavics now markets its branded products in key vertical applications, collaborating with existing channel partners, sensor vendors and others to create and deliver complete vertical application solutions.