The ten teams transforming our history at Te Papa's Mahuki innovation hub

Ten teams are taking over Te Papa's Mahuki innovation hub to come up with digital solutions put to them by Te Papa, New Zealand and international cultural providers.

The teams will take part in the four-month-long programme, which started with a pōwhiri at Te Marae on August 15.

"We are delighted to welcome the first intake of Mahuki teams, and we look forward to the hard work which will bring inspired ideas to market. I firmly believe that Mahuki projects will transform the way New Zealanders understand our country, and each other. The team's products will have the potential to reach beyond our shores to share stories with the world," says Rick Ellis, Te Papa chief executive.

The programme will provide teams with Te Papa's staff experts, resources and even museum visitors to form, shape and test their ideas. One team programme will occur each year, while other activities will be run in conjunction with the general Mahuki hub.

"Mahuki offers these innovators the chance to work in Te Papa's unique environment, with access to knowledge, collections and expertise, and a chance to market test with our millions of visitors," says Tui Te Hau, Mahuki general manager.

This year's teams have experience in a range of sectors.

Time Limited, a team of four international students, will use past and present information as a fun and interesting way to bring together people within a 7 kilometre radius of each other. The platform will allow contributors to build up their stories through text, image, audio and video, creating a 'virtual time capsule' and connecting New Zealand to its history.

Point Zero aims to bring 3D visualisation and hologram development to help people interact with 3D worlds using touch screens or gestures.

IPSL includes three local Wellington businesses: Click Suite, Story Inc and Touchtech to create a product that allows museum curators to map 'interactive hotspots' on 3D models of artefacts or high-resolution artworks. The technology will also help visitors use visual data to help them learn more.

Koha Information and Technology Solutions will connect Māori with Taonga through interactive, virtual and mobile technology showcasing Māori stories and traditions through Te Papa's collection.

Gamelab will fuse game development and pedagogy to create learning resources across science and curatory work. The team will focus on discovery centres and build-your-own-game platform Gamefroot.

Craft Mapper teams up members from Craft Mapper and Rabid to help communities find, make and supply museums with cultural content and products.

Supported by both Wellington City Council and Vodafone, Mahuki's innovation hub translates to 'perceptive', which refers to both ideas springing to mind and the 'wellspring' of inspiration.

Dot Dot will aim to create new museum experience for visitors using virtual reality hardware and software. An un-tethered headset and platform will help programme 3D exhibitions.

In-depth will develop an open source platform that will help museums showcase content not only on display, but also what is behind the scenes. Museums that promote visitor experience and exhibition creation will benefit most from the technology.

Open Window will aim to create 'artistic expression' through a virtual art gallery product for artists, galleries and curators. They also believe the product will benefit museum visitors who are both physically and hearing-impaired.

Ad Cloud will focus on using its platform to connect targeted messages for businesses, government, infrastructure and community organisations through live mobile wallpapers.