Waikato is home to the fastest-growing technology sector in the country and there is no sign of it slowing down.
For the last two years, the TIN (Technology Investment Network) report has identified our region’s tech sector is leading the way in revenue growth and investment in technology companies.
It showed that during 2018, while growth in the tech sector is evident across every New Zealand region, Waikato’s tech sector grew by 16.3 percent or $199 million, with revenue of $854 million. In 2017, we also led the way with 21.7 percent year-on-year growth.
As this article went to print, the 2019 TIN Report was about to be released. The highlights of this report will be presented by TIN founder Greg Shanahan at the IoT Waikato Event hosted by
Wintec on November 18.
We are excited to learn more about our tech sector’s progress over the last 12 months and identify opportunities for Te Waka to help keep the momentum going.
Waikato’s agritech sector continues to capture the attention of investors as it demonstrates innovation, diversity and growth.
Over the years, our region has produced globally successful companies like Gallagher Group, Waikato Milking Systems, NDA and Simcro.
More recently, global tech company Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL) opened offices in Hamilton, which is expected to create 60 new jobs in the city.
With our region’s existing strengths and emerging sectors, there are a number of opportunities for high-calibre technology solutions and service organisations like HCL to join Waikato’s emerging tech cluster.
Te Waka is working alongside the region’s tech cluster, CultivateIT, to connect both embedded and new IT companies to the wider Waikato tech ecosystem and encourage collaboration on initiatives to drive our region forward.
Inspire, connect and share knowledge
The growth of the annual Waikato TechFest is a reflection of just how much our tech sector is thriving.
Driven by CultivateIT in partnership with Te Waka, TechFest kicks off its fifth year in March 2020 at the Claudelands Event Centre.
The event brings together hundreds of technology leaders, business and the wider community from around Waikato. It is an opportunity for them to see, touch and experience innovative technology solutions, as well as network and showcase products.
We welcome the involvement of exhibitors and sponsors so get in touch with us if you would like to be part of our upcoming event.
Creating a digitally connected region
The release of this year’s TIN Report will coincide with the launch of the Digital Waikato 2025 Strategy.
This is a strategy developed by CultivateIT in collaboration with industry, schools, tertiary institutes and our local technology sector. The first stage of the programme of work is embedded in the Waikato regional economic development plan produced by Te Waka.
The strategy’s vision is to create a digitally well-connected region, with CultivateIT and digital stakeholders fostering collaboration to build Waikato’s knowledge, skills and infrastructure in this industry sector.
CultivateIT, in partnership with Te Waka, is working to identify where we have gaps and how we can work together with local companies to develop solutions to fill them.
Use of technology by businesses improves productivity. CultivateIT is already working with key partners to support the uptake of digital technologies by businesses in the region. It is also leading the development of the ICT sector’s labour market strategy, looking at ideas for building and retaining tech talent in Waikato.
At the end of the day, Te Waka and CultivateIT want to help facilitate the use of technology resources, skills and initiatives to support economic development and improve our community’s well-being.
The end goal is to empower our region and its people to prosper today and tomorrow. And a big driver of our region’s future economic success will come down to how well we harness the power of our technology businesses.
