Callaghan Innovation

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Ten kiwi start-ups and SMEs have made it through an intensive pitch process to win places on Vodafone’s new global accelerator programme, Vodafone xone.

The winning finalists are innovators from a diverse range of sectors, such as smart home, sports broadcasting, agriculture, education, health, big data and drones. They include Spalk, a group of Auckland University graduates wanting to revolutionise sports commentary in broadcasting, and Wireless Guard, a Christchurch company innovating in home security by turning doors and windows into smart, connected devices.

The ten start-ups were hand-picked by a panel of expert judges from more than 170 applicants from around New Zealand. Each team will receive a total package worth more than $150,000, including $25,000 in seed-funding and world class mentoring as part of a six-month programme.

In addition, the companies will receive access to a collaborative working space inside Vodafone’s new $50 million purpose built HQ in Christchurch, and technology development through the Vodafone xone Innovation Lab. The facility, containing specialised technology worth $19 million, will be open to the xone companies, and will also be of high value to businesses operating outside the xone accelerator programme.

Jonathan Miller, Digital Technology Sector Manager at Callaghan Innovation, says the Innovation Lab will encourage a global outlook for New Zealand businesses. Callaghan Innovation is supporting Xone with $900,000 over three years. 

As well as being an international launch pad for kiwi start-ups, New Zealand companies of all sizes can access the world-class tech facilities on offer at the Vodafone xone Innovation Lab – to test and develop their internet-of-things, smart network and mobile ideas. Vodafone xone is the seventh to be set up around the world.

The ten Vodafone xone startups

Further information

For more information about xone and the xone startups go to: xone.vodafone.co.nz