Kiwi companies big winners at global digital innovation awards

Kiwi companies have come out trumps at the United Nations-sponsored World Summit Awards for digital innovation, with three New Zealand companies taking out top awards.

The World Summit Awards showcase the world's best e-Content and innovative information and communication technology applications, with this year's awards garnering 386 nominations from 86 countries.

Six New Zealand organisations were named as finalists, with New Zealand's Aranz Medical, Wipster and AttitudeLive among the 40 winners.

InternetNZ is a sponsor of the awards and Jordan Carter, InternetNZ chief executive, says to come up with three local winners in the international awards is 'heart warming and a real testament to the strength of New Zealand in digital innovation and use of the internet'.

Aranz Medical, won in the health and environment category. The company's winning technology is a 3D scanning and information system which is pioneering the digitisation of skin assessment for patients with chronic wounds and amputations.

Bruce Davey, Aranz Medical chief executive, says Aranz's offering makes it easier for isolated or disadvantaged patients to be assessed by specialists, whether in major markets such as the United States or as far afield as in rural Africa where clinical researchers are studying one of the most neglected tropical diseases, the Buruli ulcer.

Meanwhile, Wipster in the business and commerce category for its cloud-based software-as-a-service application which contributes to the video editing process and enables users to chat to each other about work in progress, right on top of the video.

Also bringing home a top award was AttitudeLive, which offers a way to share and distribute its library of content with the world and build connections for people with disabilities. The company won in the inclusion and empowerment category.

Figure.NZ, Pond from Network for Learning and Ngā Tapuwae Gallipoli were also named finalists in the awards.

Says Cater: "All six organisations have made New Zealand very proud and have successfully showcased the great work that New Zealand can produce and offer the world.

Peter Bruck, WSA chairman, says the WSA recognises where tomorrow's technology is leading the progression of innovation.

"To drive meaningful and relevant digital innovation, you have to connect people," Bruck says. "This year's winners are an excellent selection of this momentum, matching local solutions to local needs.

The WSA winners will receive their awards in front of UN representatives, ICT ministries and the private sector at the WSA Global Congress in China next February. Their winning solutions will also be showcased at the event.