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12 August 2010
Innovation and Technology Expo showcases leaders in field
Pilotless helicopter takes photos. Sheep tissue heals wounds. GPS tracks player’s performance.
These are not headlines from a science fiction tabloid but real life exhibitors at Wellington Institute of Technology’s Innovation and Technology Expo being held on Friday 20 August from 9am-7pm at the WelTec Petone Campus, 59 Cuba Street, Petone.
WelTec Chief Executive Dr Linda Sissons says the Expo is jointly hosted with leaders in their respective fields: GNS Science and Industrial Research Limited (IRL) and is showcasing some of the most innovative minds from across the greater Wellington region.
"The Expo offers an opportunity for like-minded innovative people to get together and see the ideas and resulting technology coming from others in the region.
"It’s also a chance to see how we at WelTec are using our research and development expertise to help individuals and companies realise their full potential. Over the past six years we have seen our ability to help these companies turn their fabulous ideas, into commercial reality and grow from strength to strength.
"Companies like Mesynthes, who use sheep tissue to heal wounds, and Aquamax Devco, through the development of their waterjetting technology, have both worked with WelTec to enhance their products," says Dr Sissons.
This year the two Crown Research Institutes located in the Hutt Valley are joining WelTec to co-host the Expo. GNS Science will give a presentation on earthquakes in Wellington and recent research on the Wellington Fault. Those attending the Expo will have the opportunity to try out an interactive display that shows earthquake, volcano, and tsunami monitoring around New Zealand.
GNS Science Chief Executive Dr Alex Malahoff said the Expo was a celebration of the Hutt Valley's technological prowess. "It's tremendous that this event is showcasing such a wide range of technology and innovation under one roof," Dr Malahoff said.
IRL will be demonstrating some of its High Temperature Superconductor Technology, which enables the transmission of electricity without resistance or the loss of energy and can be used in the development of smaller and more efficient machines than can be achieved with existing copper wire technology.
IRL Chief Executive Shaun Coffey said New Zealand’s small size meant that educational institutes, businesses and Crown Research Institutes needed to band together to compete on the international stage. “This expo demonstrates our commitment to collaboration and the NZ Inc approach.”
As well as an exciting line up of exhibitors there is also a raft of business and educational seminars running throughout the day. These range from learning about the world of IT with Fronde to searching for oil in New Zealand with Veranis Corporation.
Dr Sissons says the Expo has a broad appeal for both business and the general public.
"Businesses can come along and be inspired by other like minded people. It also gives them an opportunity to talk to us if they are thinking of getting involved in research and development. Young people can come along, be inspired about their futures and learn more about study options at WelTec."
There will be plenty of interactive displays as well as information on educational opportunities leading to exciting careers at companies like those exhibiting at the Expo.