Techweek AKL 2016 has kicked off today in New Zealand's largest city, and will see some of the greatest innovators from here and around the world inspire and teach budding business owners.

The event will comprise of more than 50 Auckland-based sessions focused on design, innovation and technology and run until 22 May. It will also include start-up competitions, including Auckland Startup Weekend which starts today, to investor pitch sessions, such as  Angel@mytable.

Other sessions span subjects including virtual and augmented reality to nanotech and biotech, and big data to gaming.

Universities, private businesses, start-up communities and industry associations are hosting events as part of Techweek AKL 2016, which is based around the theme ‘reshaping our world through design, innovation and technology'.

Patrick McVeigh, Auckland Tourism, Events - Economic Development's (ATEED) general manager business, innovation and skills, says Techweek AKL 2016 offers Aucklanders and visitors an opportunity to learn and be inspired.

“Auckland is home to plenty of organisations and people with world-class ideas, and the Techweek AKL 2016 programme has been curated to mirror their spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Techweek AKL 2016 events are a great opportunity to showcase the technological expertise that Auckland and New Zealand is home to, and to learn from local and international tech experts from a range of fields," he says.

International experts speaking at Techweek AKL 2016 events include Gary Bolles, co-founder of eParachute - a San Francisco based start-up focused in helping job-hunters and career changers; Google Asia Pacific creative director Tara McKenty and her creative partner Iain Nealie; and Singapore based Dr Megan Walters, International Director at JLL heading research for the Asia Pacific Capital Markets.

A Techweek AKL 2016 mobile site, which attendees will be given access to on arrival at events, will provide an interactive experience for audiences. Speakers can be asked questions in real-time, and attendees can scan the room to find out who's attending sessions, give feedback and win prizes.

Techweek AKL 2016 coincides with the Tripartite Economic Summit taking place in Auckland on 16-17 May with delegations attending from Los Angeles and Guangzhou, as well as the New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards.