Innovators to explore global potential through aquaculture launchpad

Five innovative organisations from New Zealand have been selected to accelerate their growth in global aquaculture, including attendance at the world's biggest aquaculture trade show, through a launchpad programme delivered by Hatch Innovation Services in partnership with NZTE.

The Global innovation launchpad for New Zealand aquaculture, led by Hatch Innovation Services in partnership with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise – Te Taurapa Tūhono (NZTE), is designed to empower New Zealand companies with top-quality coaching and networking to help them scale up and maximise their potential in the global aquaculture market.

The five confirmed participants in the launchpad programme are:

Aqua Mould Systems NZ Limited - www.qyster.co.nz

FoodCap International Limited - www.foodcap.com

The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd – www.plantandfood.com

Riverwatch - www.riverwatchsolutions.com

Whiore Enterprises Limited - www.whiore.co.nz

The final cohort was chosen after an open call for applications which closed on 22 April, with applicants assessed jointly by Hatch and NZTE.

The cohort will now join an intensive market entry programme of mentorship, tailored market training and support over coming months, delivered online by Hatch, NZTE and a variety of international aquaculture experts.

Tanja Hoel, Director of Hatch Innovation Services, says the quality of applications is testament to the potential of New Zealand innovation in the global aquaculture industry.

"I am impressed by the level of innovation we have seen from companies applying to the programme," says Hoel. "I had the great pleasure to visit New Zealand late last year, meeting with several companies and innovation players, and I'm really excited to be working with these companies over the coming weeks to bring forward new tech solutions to support the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry."

Graeme Solloway, Agritech Partnerships Lead for NZTE, also welcomed the announcement of the final launchpad cohort.

"The cohort for this programme gives a sense of the range of New Zealand agritech expertise and innovation that can be applied to challenges in specific industries like aquaculture," says Solloway. "The launchpad programme is a great opportunity for these organisations, and as a group they also represent the diversity of our agritech sector and its potential for growth in New Zealand and internationally."

Cohort participants will also travel to the world's largest aquaculture trade show, AquaNor 2023, to be held in Trondheim, Norway from 22-24 August. Attending the show will offer participants a chance to engage directly with elite companies and organisations across the global aquaculture industry.

Registrations are also now open for a wider New Zealand delegation to AquaNor, running from 21-25 August, to support the cohort group and explore partnership opportunities for New Zealand businesses, researchers and organisations involved in aquaculture.

The Global innovation launchpad for New Zealand aquaculture forms part of NZTE's work in support of the Agritech Industry Transformation Plan (ITP), which aims to grow the agritech sector towards contributing $8 billion to the New Zealand economy by 2030.

Government support for the Agritech ITP is led by the Ministry for Primary Industries, with support from MBIE, NZTE and Callaghan Innovation, working alongside key industry body AgriTech New Zealand.

The launchpad programme also dovetails with the New Zealand Government's Aquaculture Strategy, which includes actions to promote investment in innovation and to accelerate the development of new technologies that support sustainability and productivity in aquaculture.

Hatch Blue is a venture and innovation company dedicated to support the sustainable development of the global aquaculture Industry.

Based in Norway, with additional offices in Hawaii and Singapore, Hatch Blue acts as global catalyst for a climate-smart and sustainable aquaculture industry, with a proven track record in accelerating and assisting the growth of numerous startups and projects.

Hatch Innovation Services represents highly specialised market expertise and insights for corporates, providing deep market insights across the entire aquaculture value chain.

www.hatch.blue

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise – Te Taurapa Tūhono (NZTE) is the New Zealand government's international business development agency, working to grow companies internationally for the good of New Zealand.

NZTE provides customised support services and support to ambitious businesses looking to go global, helping them to build their capability, boost their global reach, connect to other businesses and invest in their growth. It also connects international investors with opportunities in New Zealand through a global network of investment advisors.