Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! We’re now closed for the holidays and will reopen on Monday 22 January, 2018. But don’t panic, we will be checking emails regularly for any urgent matters. Thank you for all your support this year and have a wonderful festive season!
It didn’t seem that long ago that people were talking about Artificial intelligence or AI, as something futuristic, or another generation away. Not anymore. AI is rapidly infiltrating many aspects of our lives with automated assistants, smart devices, driverless cars, toys, and more.
While there are seemingly limitless benefits of AI, there is high-level concern about AI’s impact on people and jobs. Research group Gartner predicted that by as early as next year more than 3 million workers globally will be supervised by a “robo-boss.” There is no denial that this technology is creating such unprecedented disruption that governments, companies and societies around the world are racing to manage and control AI before AI controls us.
Even the IP industry isn’t immune. And it’s not just the filing of patents for AI technologies that’s of concern. AI raises intriguing questions such as who the inventor is where the machine invented or contributed to inventing the technology. From an IP industry perspective, questions are being raised about stated initiatives from IP firms and patent offices such as the EPO to conduct patent searching, examine patents and even write patent specifications using AI.
– We gained some interesting insights into the affects of Artificial Intelligence on the IP industry when writing this blog for our client, CreateIP. Read the full blog here.
Anna Liz Guenther founder of NZ’s first crowdfunding platform PledgeMe spoke at ITP’s Nelson event yesterday. Her top elements for a successful campaign? 1) a great company, 2) really good communications, 3) a supporting crowd. Crowdfunding is a “value exchange”. It’s not ‘dumb money’ you want, it’s ‘love money’.
Technology innovator Anna Guenther talked about Diversity in Tech and the PledgeMe story. She shared her journey of setting up PledgeMe, New Zealand’s first crowdfunding platform, and provided some top tips for getting started. Anna also talked about her own realisation that diversity and inclusion are important, and provided some practical solutions for supporting representation at every level of the organisation. Thank you @where_is_anna!
Press release, Santa Clarita US / Christchurch NZ, 20 Nov, 2017: Connexionz, a leading provider of smart transit innovations, has been awarded a unique contract to deliver a multi-agency regional passenger information system.
The new “iTransitNW” portal and smartphone app will connect several transport networks across three US States to enable passengers convenient access to real-time information on all rural and intercity transit and transfer connections.
Connexionz will initially manage and support seven partner agency fleets, with potential to scale and link up to 18 separate transport operators across Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Read the press release.
Read the coverage in NZ Export and Trade, NZ Manufacturer, ITS International, Traffic Technology Today, and Mass Transit Magazine.
HealthPost focus on natural health and environment attracts rare PM visit
Local environment benefits from collective Golden Bay effort
Press Release, HealthPost, Collingwood, NZ, 11 August 2017: HealthPost, established online natural health and wellness retailer, today received a rare visit from the Prime Minister of New Zealand the Right Honourable Bill English.
HealthPost is proof that location is no barrier to success in the highly competitive world of online retail. With increasing demand for its products and 30% year-on-year growth in the last decade, the company last year invested in a major expansion of its Collingwood facility with a modern warehouse extension and new offices.
Read the press release.
Read the coverage in Stuff, the Nelson Mail, and Scoop. The release also interested the National Business Review to do an awesome video profile of the company.
On 14 Sept, the Canterbury Tech Summit 2017 will explore the trends, opportunities, and major shifts on the horizon, including how artificial intelligence will force major changes in society. Last year the event was a sell-out with more than 650 members of the tech industry coming together. Most of the tickets have been snapped up with just a handful up for grabs. To secure your place register today!
Want to know more about driverless cars, drones, digital tech, and the future of public transport? Then this hot-topic ITP networking event on 23 August in Nelson is worth hitting the peddle to the metal for, but book quickly as these tickets will go fast! Find out more.
Press release, Connexionz, NZ. 7 Aug, 2017: Connexionz, a leading provider of intelligent transit solutions, has opened a US office in California.
Based in the Highridge Business Park in the Valencia suburb of Santa Clarita, the spacious office facilities provides the essential services needed to run a critical technology business.
The move is a major step in the company’s US expansion strategy which focuses on growth and customer proximity through strengthened local sales and support capabilities.
Read the press release.
Read the coverage: MassTransitMag, IT Brief, Scoop
Press release: Connexionz, NZ/US, 10-Apr-17: New York commuters eagerly anticipating the launch of the new NYC Ferry operated by Hornblower starting service next month, will be boarding a new transport service integrated with technology developed by Connexionz.
Hornblower’s New York Citywide Ferry service
The contract, awarded to Connexionz in a competitive international procurement process, commenced roll out in February and will be completed next month, with on-going service and support until 2022.
Read the press release
Read the coverage in ITS Australia, IT Brief, The Press, Scoop, Exporter Magazine, Computerworld, TourismTicker, Infrastructure Build, Export and Trade, and NZ Manufacturer.
Smart hive minder helps beekeepers #savebees and maintain #healthyhives
Hive vets aren’t real. Good tools help.
New Zealand’s smart hive innovation company, Hivemind, is launching a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to help beekeepers check their hives remotely, and take proactive action to keep their bees safe and happy.
The “Hive Strength Monitor with WiFi” campaign aims to develop and commercialise an affordable and accessible WiFi version of Hivemind’s flagship satellite-based Hive Strength Monitor for all beekeepers.
It is targeted at responsible beekeepers, commercial pollinators, and honey lovers alike around the world who are committed to keeping all bee colonies happy and strong.
Read the press release
Read the coverage in The Press, National Business Review, Australasian Beekeeper, AgriHQ, NZ Manufacturer, Scoop, Idealog and ManukaHoneyUSA, and shared on beekeeping forums around the world.
