ARANZ Medical won the Bayer Supreme New Zealand prize at the annual New Zealand Innovation awards, held at Skycity in Auckland on Thrusday evening.

ARANZ’s scanning tech, Silhouette, measures wound healing and ensures the right treatment is being used to promote faster healing and more accurate diagnosis. Their scanning technology has also been applied to creating and developing FastSCAN, a 3D scanning system that helps custom-fit orthotics and prosthetics for increased comfort.

More than 700 entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and business people attended the awards event, where a total of 21 winners and 19 highly commended awards were announced.

you

New Zealand Innovation Council chief executive Louise Webster says the awards demonstrated that innovation is alive and well in Aotearoa. “We are moving away from the no.8 wire culture of old, to a new world where resources, partnerships and funding are seen as essential in helping Kiwi companies launch on a world stage and commercialise their innovations globally.”

Another day, another @idealogmag event. This time it’s the #NZInnovationAwards. Looking sharp, #Skycity. pic.twitter.com/vqFT6ayuUn

— Ben Mack (@benmack_nz) October 20, 2016

Great crowd in for the #NZInnovationAwards. Growing rapidly each year, just like the sector #innovation @innovation_nz pic.twitter.com/hBFIMSOI4T

— Steven Joyce (@stevenljoyce) October 20, 2016

Bayer New Zealand managing director Derek Bartlett says it was amazing to see the length and breadth of innovation in New Zealand. “Clearly, innovation is alive and well in New Zealand when you look at how big these awards have become.”

So without further delay, here’s a list of all the 2016 New Zealand Innovation Award winners:

SUPREME NEW ZEALAND INNOVATOR – Sponsored by Bayer New Zealand

WINNER: ARANZ Medical – Silhouette & FastSCAN

?

ARANZ Medical’s Silhouette scanner is an advanced non-contact wound surveillance system that shows the rate of healing and wound change over a period of time, allowing for better monitoring and patient care. ARANZ Medical has also developed the FastSCAN, a 3D system that helps custom-fit orthotics and prosthetics more comfortably, and accurately, for patients. These patented technologies are already helping patients in thirty-five countries and have been acknowledged by the United Nations. 

_____

INNOVATION IN AGRIBUSINESS & ENVIRONMENT – Sponsored by KPMG

WINNER: Farmshed Labs – Flashmate

Flashmate is a touch-sensitive disposable detector which indicates when a cow is in heat and ready for breeding. It takes the guesswork out of animal husbandry as Flashmate is easily applied in wet or dry weather with one hand, and stays on for weeks. When the red light comes on, the cow is in heat and ready to get in calf. A green light indicates possible pregnancy if the cow has not come into heat again within 25 days. The accuracy of Flashmate ensures increased success rates with cow pregnancy, thereby increasing herds and milking yields. Flashmate is a low-cost product that increases efficiency without altering farming work practices. The Flashmate starts working the minute the packaging is opened and is waterproof, adhesive and recyclable.

_____

INNOVATION IN DESIGN AND ENGINEERING – Sponsored by James & Wells

WINNER: Ogo Technology – Personal Mobility Device

The Ogo is a hands-free electric personal all-terrain transport device that enables a person with a walking disability such as paraplegia, spina bifida, or amputation, to use the intuitive movement functions of this unique mobility aid. The Ogo has a patented active seat control system that uses core muscle strength to engage electronic and mechanical action to move the device. The Ogo is practical, robust and stylish. Ogo gives mobility-impaired people greater freedom, independence and options. After many years of development, the Ogo concept was unveiled in 2015 and received very positive responses from the media and the public.

Highly Commended: ARANZ Geo – Leapfrog Modelling Software

_____

INNOVATION IN EDUCATION, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT – Sponsored by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

WINNER: Manaiakalani Education Trust – The Manaiakalani Programme

The Manaiakalani Programme and Outreach involves an innovative digital learning approach and framework, delivering high-end digital learning and citizenship to learners in the lower socio-economic area of Tamaki in Auckland. Integrating parental and community support with professional development for teachers and an innovative design, the Manaiakalani Programme has been independently verified to demonstrate that students are learning at a base rate of 1.5 times the normal NZ learning rate, with increased attendance levels and a sharp improvement in on-task behaviour. Manaiakalani sustainably and demonstrably lifts achievement, and the persistent commitment to evaluation and a design-based approach drives continual improvement.

Highly Commended: The Mind Lab by Unitec – Postgraduate Programme

?

_____

INNOVATION IN FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES – Sponsored by Paymark

WINNER: Simplicity NZ – Simplicity Kiwisaver

Simplicity has created an online KiwiSaver model that aims to reduce overheads and pass on the cost savings to customers, meaning that they will retire with more funds as the fee savings are reinvested. Simplicity is run by a charitable trust as a not-for-profit model. Only the costs are charged to the KiwiSaver customer. In addition, Simplicity will donate 15% of its management revenue per annum to charity. Online-based, the Simplicity platform has easy switching and aims to revolutionise the KiwiSaver market by giving New Zealanders options that are both financially and socially responsible.

Highly Commended: Snowball Effect

_____

INNOVATION IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE – Sponsored by Plant & Food Research

WINNER: Fonterra – GA for Paediatric Nutrition

Breastfeeding is best for a baby’s brain development, but breastfeeding is not always possible. Breastfed babies have a higher content of a lipid called Gangliosides or GA in their brains, and Fonterra wanted to improve the GA content of infant formula in order to more closely mimic breast milk composition. Clinical research has demonstrated the role that dietary GAs play in infant development. World-leading, independent expert consultants peer-reviewed the research and generated interest in the complex milk lipids developed by Fonterra. The paediatric nutrition category is growing globally and their scientifically substantiated trademarked Nuelipid formula helps Fonterra access this market. Commercial products based on this innovation programme are being launched in multiple markets under the Fonterra-owned consumer brand Anmum.

Highly Commended: Sunfed – Sunfed Meats

_____

INNOVATION IN HEALTH AND SCIENCE – Sponsored by Chorus

WINNER: Volpara Health Technologies

Volpara’s software provides volumetric assessment of breast tissue density to assist radiologists when screening for breast cancer. By quantifying the density of breast tissue, the subjective guesswork is removed, making the scanning more effective and using lower doses of radiation than might otherwise be used during the scan. Having information about breast density can also guide options for further imaging and patient-specific radiation doses and compression. Volpara is improving patient experience and clinic efficiency.

Highly Commended: ARANZ Medical – Silhouette & FastSCAN

?

_____

INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS – Sponsored by Jade Software

WINNER: ARANZ Medical – Silhouette & FastSCAN

Measuring the rate of healing of wounds and ulcers is essential in chronic conditions. ARANZ Medical’s Silhouette scanner is an advanced non-contact wound surveillance system that shows the rate of healing and wound change over a period of time, allowing for better monitoring and patient care. ARANZ Medical has also developed the FastSCAN, a 3D system that helps custom-fit orthotics and prosthetics more comfortably, and accurately, for patients. These patented technologies are already helping patients in thirty-five countries and have been acknowledged by the United Nations.

Highly Commended: Volpara Health Technologies

_____

INNOVATION IN MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS – Sponsored by Datamine

WINNER: Haka Tours

Haka Tours targets consumers at various stages of the tourism purchase via social media, using device-friendly entertaining content that has minimal branding and connects emotionally with those with dreams of visiting New Zealand. Their site helps plan tours, and showcases personal video footage of participants through our Tikipici service. Haka Tours has also become a media and entertainment company with plans to enter the world of virtual reality.

Highly Commended: Heilala Vanilla – Co-branding & Collaborations

_____

INNOVATION IN MEDIA, MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT – Sponsored by RadioLIVE

WINNER: 90 Seconds

90 Seconds is a Cloud Video Production Service providing a marketplace and workflow platform, enabling a global community of creators to obtain high quality, online video content produced anywhere in the world. Brands want video content and this platform connects them with content creators, and manages the relationship online and connects with third party applications such as stock footage, drone shots, translations and Google AdWords. 90 Seconds has also documented its own journey in a web series called ‘Ride the Wave’. 90seconds.tv

Highly Commended: Patternsnap, Springfree Trampoline – tgoma

?

_____

INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABILITY AND CLEAN-TECH – Sponsored by Yealands Family Wines

WINNER: Stormwater360 – LittaTrap

Storm drains send plastics and other land-based waste into the oceans and waterways, causing environmental damage. Stormwater360 have developed the LittaTrap which is a lightweight, low-cost drain insert which retains plastics and large rubbish objects while letting water drain through. The system is self-supporting, easily maintained, and can be emptied by hand, without the need for specialised vehicles. The LittaTrap is an accessible product that can be flatpacked for easy transportation. Ideal for public areas such as schools, where educating the next generation about wastewater management is an added benefit.

_____

EMERGING NEW ZEALAND INNOVATOR – Sponsored by Regus

WINNER: Auror

Auror is a software platform that allows police and businesses to share information about crime incidents and to work together to identify offenders. It is transforming the way Police and communities prevent and solve crime. Auror streamlines the crime reporting process to reduce barriers to reporting crimes. Once incidents are uploaded, Auror connects the dots to identify links between offenders and vehicles, track theft trends, generate reports on theft activity and allow interactivity between users. Shoplifting and petrol drive-offs cost retailers millions every year but are underreported, allowing such crimes to flourish because their low value does not match the significant time and resources required to investigate each case. Auror has tools such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition to alert police when offenders arrive on-site, increasing the chance of arrest.

Highly Commended: CricHQ, Linewize

?

_____

INNOVATION EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH – Sponsored by Auckland University of Technology

WINNER: Sunfed – Sunfed Meats

Sunfed is a high protein food system to make ‘meat’ directly from plants. Using clean technology, proteins are taken from plants and turned into Sunfed Meats that taste, feel and cook like animal meat, but is a healthier environmentally-friendly option. The meat substitute market is a growing one with lifestyle trends and awareness of animal and human diseases associated with diet. Sunfed uses proprietary technology to transform short unaligned plant protein fibres into long meaty fibres that have the sensory attributes of meat with the health benefits of plants. Sunfed aims to bring New Zealand to the forefront of clean, green and sustainable food production. 

Highly Commended: AUT/NZA – New Zealand SKA Alliance Big Data Challenges, Avertana – Extracting Value from Industrial Waste

_____

START-UP INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by Veda

WINNER: Ligar – Ligar in the Environment

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are designed to capture specific molecules, allowing them to be filtered out of a flow and, if desirable, extracted for reuse. Ligar can manufacture large volumes of MIPs to remove heavy metals, organic pollutants and other molecules from waterways and fluid food and beverages. MIPs can remove substances such as pesticides, heavy metal contaminants, and flavour taints from wine and food oils. It can also extract or solate highly valuable molecules from plant extracts. MIPs have existed since the 1970s for identifying molecules but the innovation of large scale production is a game-changer for the food and beverage industries.

Highly Commended: OnSide, Wine Grenade

_____

EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL INNOVATION – Sponsored by Yellow

WINNER: Manaiakalani Education Trust – The Manaiakalani Programme

The Manaiakalani Programme and Outreach involves an innovative digital learning approach and framework, delivering high-end digital learning and citizenship to learners in the lower socio-economic area of Tamaki in Auckland. Integrating parental and community support with professional development for teachers and an innovative design, the Manaiakalani Programme has been independently verified to demonstrate that students are learning at a base rate of 1.5 times the normal NZ learning rate, with increased attendance levels and a sharp improvement in on-task behaviour. Manaiakalani sustainably and demonstrably lifts achievement, and the persistent commitment to evaluation and a design-based approach drives continual improvement. 

Highly Commended: Countdown – The Foodbank Project, KiwiHarvest

?

_____

INNOVATION IN MAORI DEVELOPMENT – Sponsored by Poutama Trust

WINNER: Squiggle – Young Engineers

The Young Engineers programme teaches young people about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in English, Hindi and Te Reo M?ori, using practical activities and theoretical learning to develop problem-solving, creative critical thinking and communication skills. Students also learn that failure, trial and error, are essential to development processes. Squiggle has also launched the Young Animators programme, encouraging 2D and 3D animation skills in young children. Squiggle is removing barriers to learning through language, and by the use of portable container classrooms that make it easier for students to access the programmes.

_____

EXPORT INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

WINNER: Zespri – SunGold Kiwifruit

When the New Zealand kiwifruit industry was decimated by a vine-killing pathogen six years ago, new bacteria-resistant cultivars were immediately developed, utilising resources committed to the crisis by Zespri, Plant and Food Research (PFR), and the government. The resulting Zespri SunGold kiwifruit has been a stunning commercial success, delivering over a billion dollars of sales, and is on target to generate about $40 billion over its Plant Variety Rights (PVR) life. SunGold is popular with consumers around the world, driving up demand, earning premium prices and generating value for growers, and allowing the kiwifruit industry to recover. Zespri has now licensed SunGold to be globally grown to ensure year-round supplies, and continues to invest millions annually into kiwifruit varieties for commercialisation.

_____

MOST INSPIRING INDIVIDUAL – Sponsored by 3M

WINNER: Jenene Crossan – Flossie.com

Jenene has over 21 years’ experience in the digital arena and has founded a number of well-known digital brands. She is constantly creating, inventing, failing, learning and investing in new ideas and progress. Jenene has worked in project management and web development from a young age, launching a number of online social magazines, often with a focus on women. Jenene believes progress comes from insight, curiosity and listening to customer experiences. Her track record has attracted major investors over the years and she continues to develop new digital projects such as ‘Flossie’. Jenene’s core belief is that innovation comes from people who are comfortable with change and their own vulnerability, who have a willingness to be wrong and do things differently, and who ‘just keep on starting’.

_____

SUSTAINED INNOVATION EXCELLENCE – Sponsored by Sovereign

WINNER: Zespri – SunGold Kiwifruit

When the New Zealand kiwifruit industry was decimated by a vine-killing pathogen six years ago, new bacteria-resistant cultivars were immediately developed, utilising resources committed to the crisis by Zespri, Plant and Food Research (PFR), and the government. The resulting Zespri SunGold kiwifruit has been a stunning commercial success, delivering over a billion dollars of sales, and is on target to generate about $40 billion over its Plant Variety Rights (PVR) life. SunGold is popular with consumers around the world, driving up demand, earning premium prices and generating value for growers, and allowing the kiwifruit industry to recover. Zespri has now licensed SunGold to be globally grown to ensure year-round supplies, and continues to invest millions annually into kiwifruit varieties for commercialisation.

_____

YOUNG NEW ZEALAND INNOVATOR – Sponsored by MOTAT

WINNER: Jamie Beaton – Crimson Education

Jamie Beaton is an evangelist for data-driven self-improvement and his educational model relies on tutoring from experts in their field, and mentoring students towards lofty educational goals. Acquiring Angel investor capital of NZD$1.4 million to launch, Crimson Education has already returned that investment twenty-fold, as the company expands and attracts heavy investment from the USA. Jamie believes in getting your education from the ‘best tutor available’ instead of taking chances with the teacher at your local school. Learning outside the classroom meant Jamie could learn five times faster. His results-driven methodology is appealing to students, parents and investors. Jamie is about to complete two concurrent degrees at Harvard and is working towards a Master’s Degree in Applied Financial Mathematics. He is a driven, energetic negotiator and likes to make things happen.

_____

PEOPLE’S CHOICE – Sponsored by Idealog

WINNER: ASB Bank – ASB Clever Kash

?

In an increasingly cashless society, parents find it harder to teach their children about money and savings. The ASB’s Innovation Lab and Marketing, and its partners, collaborated on the Clever Kash cashless moneybox that lets parents give children pocket money without the need for cash. This connects kids to their savings through interactivity as children ‘swipe’ virtual notes and coins into their savings account with the Clever Kash app. Clever Kash embodies the ASB vision of innovation, technology, marketing, respect for our heritage and delivering a competitive advantage.

Runner Up: Pop-Up Globe

2nd Runner Up: Educa 

_____