blog

Innovation Breakfast - The Art of Imagineering

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:25:00 +1200

Innovation Breakfast - The Art of Imagineering

A breakfast presentation from Kym Williams, CEO, BRS Australia and Wendy Kennedy, Pilot Performance Sciences who will present you with a range of strategies that will guide you through the innovation cycle from idea to action.

Venue: EPIC INNOVATION HUB, Manchester Street, Christchurch

Date: Wednesday 26 June 2013

Time: 7.15am for a 7.30am start – 8.45am

For more information and to RSVP: By 25 June to wendy.pilot@xtra.co.nz or call Wendy on 027 2019240 for details.

Canterbury Software Cluster Key Sponsor IBM - Smarter Cities Challenge Update

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:52:00 +1200

Have a look at how Canterbury Software Cluster Key Sponsor IBM has taken on the Smarter Cities Challenge and applied this to Christchurch, providing forward thinking recommendations on innovative ideas for ensuring we maximise the once in a lifetime opportunity to build a city for the future, leveraging the creative people, excellent ideas and amazing natural resources we have in our region.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP7bGuo6eKY&feature=youtu.be

Invitation to pitch at "Angel at my Table" - NZSA Event

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 21:46:00 +1200

NZSA is looking to invite one emerging software company from the South Island, to join five others in the North Island to pitch at their "Angel at My Table" event on Tuesday, 13 August 2013.

Canterbury Software Cluster is planning on running a '5 minute pitch' opportunity for interested entrepreneurs/start-ups at our July event. The best entry as voted by the audience at the Cluster will be put forward as the South Island representative.

NZSA will cover the flights to Auckland and accommodation for the winning representative. This is an awesome opportunity to rub shoulders with other like minded individuals and high powered potential investors so don't miss out!

Successful Product Development from idea to implementation

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:33:00 +1200

Paul Davies, Director of IP, EverEdge IP will be speaking as part of a panel of speakers on the development of successful products, canvassing topics such as research, engineering, IP strategy and commercialisation at the Westpac Business & Community Hub 55 Jack Hinton Dr, Christchurch.

Thursday 20^th June at 5:30pm

If you would like to attend, please register by following the link below.

http://spdchristchurch20-06-13-mda.eventbrite.co.nz/

SLI Systems debuts on NZX

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:55:37 +1200

Canterbury Software Cluster member SLI Systems debuted on the NZX on Friday morning.

The Christchurch firm, which designs and manages website search software for hundreds of clients, completed a $27-million capital raising last week, selling 18 million shares for $1.50 each to new investors, including nine institutions.

Well done to Shaun and the team at SLI! Read more here

IBM Global Entrepreneur Mentor Day - Auckland

Mon, 27 May 2013 14:30:39 +1200

Top reasons to participate in an IBM Global Entrepreneur Mentor Day:

Does your solution address problems the world is facing in energy, water, traffic, transportation, healthcare, telecommunications or other societal issues?
Is your startup less than 5 year old?
Are you privately held?

When: Thursday, 8 August 2013

Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm

Where: Auckland

Mentor Days are part of IBM Global Entrepreneur. If you are not yet a member of IBM Global Entrepreneur, please join at no charge at ibm.com/isv/startup before you apply to pitch at this event.

If this sounds like your company, please apply to participate in this event. Please apply by Friday, 19 July 2013 to be considered for participation.

For questions, please contact Lyn Ward at lynward@au1.ibm.com

Supplier Briefings on New Government Rules of Sourcing

Mon, 27 May 2013 10:48:52 +1200

The Industry Capability Network, Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment and Business NZ are teaming up to bring a road-show to the regions on the changes happening in Government Procurement.

Christchurch

Date: 13 June
Time: 10am - 12pm
Venue: Russley Golf Club
Register for the briefing on the CECC website.

As you will know they have been working hard on Government procurement issues with a view to getting better local industry involvement in Government contracts. Therefore it is pleasing that the Government has just released the new Government Rules of Sourcing that are designed to encourage local industry participation and remove barriers that may have been in the way.

The Government Rules of Sourcing represent the government’s standards of good practice for procurement planning, approaching the market and contracting. The Rules replace the Mandatory Rules for Procurement by Departments and they come in to effect from 1 October 2013.

They will be holding briefing sessions to tell you about how the Rules will make it easier for you to do business with Government, including how the Rules:

make it easier for NZ businesses to participate in Government procurement
give you better access and engagement with Government
give you more time to respond to tender opportunities
encourage and reward your innovation
detail how we will evaluate your tender responses
can improve your performance and productivity
grow your business.

Innovest Auckland 2013 – 18th June

Mon, 27 May 2013 08:26:46 +1200

Disruptive Growth: the rules of the global game

The Innovest Conference will bring together a host of local and international business specialists to provide an objective, hard-hitting assessment on what it takes to step-up and create a high growth, international business.

Who Should Attend?

Business owners looking to grow
Investment and Finance industry
Food and Software stakeholders
Growth support professional services

Event Details

Date: Tuesday 18th June, 8.30am – 5.00pm
Location: The Langham, The Great Room, 83 Symonds Street.

For more information and to register visit www.innovestauckland.com

ExportNZ Canterbury Breakfast

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:28:48 +1200

ExportNZ Canterbury Breakfast

Date: Wednesday 29 May 2013

Time: 7.30am to approx. 9.00am

Venue: Legends

Metropolitan Stand

Addington Raceway Christchurch

Cost: CECC/ExportNZ Member $40.00+GST Non-member $70.00 + GST

Register: Email registrations@cecc.org.nz

The next Exporter Breakfast is going high-tech!

At May’s Exporter Breakfast you’ll hear from two dynamic and leading manufacturing and exporting companies in the high-tech sector – Canterbury Scientific and GPC Electronics.

Both have a well-established culture of innovation underpinning their production of high value products of exceptional quality.

Learn what makes these companies tick and how they stay competitive in the global marketplace:

CANTERBURY SCIENTIFIC LTD

Neil Pattinson, Chief Executive, will talk about how they have:

Built a foundation of good science and a culture of innovation.
Leverage collaborations and partnerships from proof of concept to market.

GPC ELECTRONICS

Brent O'Meagher, Commercial Manager, will discuss:

How they’ve created more efficiency and reduced cost in the manufacturing supply chain.
The move beyond ‘turnkey’ model to creating more value and competitiveness for clients.

Both speakers will be followed by the opportunity to ask questions. You’ll also have the opportunity to rub shoulders with other exporters and export service providers.

Proudly supported by

ExportNZ Canterbury

Email registrations@cecc.org.nz

Registration is essential

Microsoft TechEd New Zealand 2013

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:41:12 +1200

Earlybird tickets to Microsoft TechEd New Zealand 2013 are now available!

The sell-out technical conference of the year will run from September 10 – 13 at SKYCITY Convention Centre. TechEd will kick off on Tuesday afternoon with the Keynote and Welcome Reception, followed by three full days of technical sessions, exhibition, and social events.

The breadth and depth of topics delivered at TechEd will help you and your company to get the most out of your existing software investments, and learn how Microsoft can help to improve productivity and drive down costs.

TechEd will provide delegates with the opportunity to meet Microsoft & industry experts, and network with peers. The event also includes The Hub – an exhibition area where vendors can show off their latest technologies, and where delegates can benefit from exhibitor & sponsor deals. There is an extensive schedule of breakout and panel sessions, supplemented by a virtualised hands-on lab experience and an on-site Microsoft Certification Centre.

Don’t miss out! Earlybird tickets are strictly limited, and are selling quickly. Buy tickets now, at Microsoft.co.nz/TechEd

Prime Minister's Business Scholarship 2013

Wed, 01 May 2013 16:31:09 +1200

Prime Minister John Key is calling for ambitious company owners, senior managers and executives looking to expand their international expertise to apply for this year’s Prime Minister’s Business Scholarships. Applicants must be working in New Zealand-based businesses that are internationalising or intensifying their internationalisation.

The scholarships cover 50 per cent of the costs associated with studying at a world class business school, including course fees, economy airfares, accommodation and other costs such as text books. Applications close 27 May 2013.

For more information go to http://www.med.govt.nz/business/business-growth-internationalisation/prime-ministers-business-scholarships

Ambassador reception

Wed, 01 May 2013 16:25:13 +1200

Please join MFaT, NZTE, CDC and CECC for a unique and exclusive opportunity to meet with New Zealand‘s Ambassadors and High Commissioners from:

Brussels
Manila
Niue
Paris
Rome
Singapore
Sydney
Tehran
Tokyo

If you currently export or trade with these areas, this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to discuss country specific trade policies, trade barriers and any challenges you may have with local red tape. Talk to the key people who can assist your business in these areas and make a difference to your ability to trade successfully around the world.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 9 May 2013

Time: 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Venue: Blossom Lady Lounge, Metropolitan Stand, Addington Raceway

Register: Email registrations@cecc.org.nz

Cost: Free to attend. Food and refreshments provided

NZX IPO Masterclass - The Xero Listing Story

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:23:59 +1200

NZX would like to invite you to attend the NZX IPO Masterclass: The Xero Listing Story, to be held in Christchurch on 14 May 2013.

Many of you have watched the Xero story unfolding. Xero raised growth capital and listed in 2007 as a start up. Since listing Xero has built a global team, carried out a number of subsequent strategic placements raising further growth capital in excess of $140M, and seen their market cap increase significantly in a very short time frame.

The Xero team are keen to share their experiences in an open and interactive masterclass format. This session is targeted at directors and senior executives of any company, in any industry, that is considering raising significant capital over the next two years.

Specifically the Xero team will cover:

Reasons for accessing the public equity markets over other types of funding
Pre IPO process and key decisions
IPO process and the role of advisers
Life after listing
Investor relations, communications strategy and the role of social media
Post IPO capital raising - Strategic Placements and Share Purchase Plans
Acquisitions
Capital raising landscape in 2013; some new opportunities

AGENDA

9.45am Arrival & Coffee

10:00am IPO Masterclass

Rod Drury, Founder & CEO, Xero; Ross Christie, Partner, Cameron

Partners; Dean Oppenhuis, Partner, Bell Gully

12:00pm Light lunch, discussion and networking

VENUE

Callaghan Innovation, Level 1, 14 Sir William Pickering Drive, Christchurch

Please RSVP to john.fernandes@nzx.com

Maltese companies looking at partnering with NZ ICT companies

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:12:46 +1200

Malta is one of the strongest suppliers of IT in Europe, particularly in the area of e-government - in fact they are No 1 in Europe and 3rd in the world.

A group of nine Maltese companies looking at developing internationally, is interested in forging strategic alliances with appropriate New Zealand companies, perhaps with a view to entering a third market. The nine have varied expertise which includes online gaming, vehicle telematics, disaster management and recovery, ticketing and admission systems, customer experience improvement programmes as well as enterprise resource planning. The group has the support of Maltese Development Agency and EU Commission.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Therese Banks: jtabanks@xtra.co.nz or phone: 027 314 5811.

NZ Technology Innovation Week 2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:03:38 +1300

You are invited to register for a very special event

Starting and running a successful technology company is a dream for many entrepreneurs. However, the steps involved in getting an idea to market, then into export markets, growing the business and eventually listing or exiting profitably, can seem daunting and sometimes downright impossible.

For the first time, the technology community of New Zealand is putting on a 3-day conference that maps the lifecycle of a technology business – from idea to exit – with over 25 speakers who are the champions of the industry sharing their insights and experiences with you.

Throughout the week, other showcase events such as a free half-day pitch training session, a fantastic dinner event hosted by Mayor Len Brown, a cocktails evening with the tech innovation heroes of New Zealand, and the NZ Hi-Tech Awards Gala Dinner, will give you an opportunity to immerse yourself in learning all about what it takes to move to the next step along the road whilst networking with international experts, local legends and other entrepreneurs.

The events will be held from 14-17 May, at the Stamford Hotel in downtown Auckland and other nearby Auckland locations.For more information and to register, visit www.techinnovationweek.co.nz There are a limited number of seats available for each event, so don’t delay in booking your space. Contact kylie.pellett@nzict.org.nz with any questions.

More information and registration details can be found at: http://www.techinnovationweek.co.nz/

.NET User Group 26 March - Windows Azure and the Internet of Things

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:43:43 +1300

The Christchurch .NET Users Group will be meeting up at EPIC on 26 March, with a talk by Bryn Lewis entitled: Windows Azure and the Internet of Things.

Using Windows Azure and the .Net Micro Framework Bryn will give a practical demonstration of how easily you can use the Microsoft stack to construct an Internet of Things application.

Come and see what you can build with a GPS, an Accelerometer, a Netduino Plus, SignalR and Windows Azure.

Bryn will also be talking about ever-increasing capabilities of the Microsoft Windows Azure cloud platform and pointing out tips and tricks - the session will be kept as interactive as possible so come along with your questions!

Full details at: http://www.meetup.com/Christchurch-Net-User-Group/events/107822722/

We need an Administrative Coordinator

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:16:29 +1300

An excellent opportunity for a motivated Administrative Coordinator (part time) with Canterbury Software has opened. Please read the Job Description below for details. If this looks like something you would love to do, please let us know!

Canterbury Software Inc.

Part-Time Administrative Coordinator

Canterbury Software Inc.is a non-profit organisation aimed at helping the Canterbury software sector succeed at home and worldwide. We have a broad-based member community - some of New Zealand's most innovative companies and successful entrepreneurs based in a region renowned globally as a leading centre of software excellence.

To support our professional association, we are looking for an energetic administrative coordinator on a part time basis. A newly created position for the association, we envisage this role covering the following types of responsibilities:

Representing the administrative face of the association

Monthly event administration

Processing of new membership applications and managing annual renewals

Maintaining blogs and social networks

Recording minutes of all committee meetings and coordinating follow up actions with committee members

Venue and supplier bookings

Assistance with conference organization

Working with treasurer on accounts payable

Collating and managing speaker presentations

This would be an ideal opportunity for a self motivated individual with an interest in the Canterbury software industry. Previous administrative experience is expected but training will be provided on all associated systems and processes.

This is a part time position with an initial expectation of 8 hours per week, plus attendance at our monthly evening meetings (usually the first Tuesday of each month).

Applications including a resume and cover letter to be emailed to operations@canterburysoftware.org.nz.

Announcements slides from Cluster event 5 March 2013

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:04:00 +1300

Thanks to everyone who made it along to last night's monthly Cluster event at EPIC - we had a great evening! Here are the announcements slides - see you next month...

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Dunedin Startup Weekend 22-24 March

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:35:28 +1300

Dunedin is running a StartUp weekend on 22 -24 March at the Otago School of Business and the organisers would like to extend an invitation to entrepreneurs, innovators, designers, developers, enthusiasts in Christchurch. The more diversity of people in the mix the better.

You might want to come to Dunedin and get involved in an intensive 54 hours of teaming up with whoever they meet and creating a business that they can bring back to Christchurch. It’s also a way of having Dunedin and Christchurch people meet and develop relationships and share ideas. We are also extending our invitation to people in Queenstown as the more startups and entrepreneurial activity we can support in the South Island the better.

Here are some details: Startup Weekend is a non-profit, community-building event that brings together entrepreneurs of different backgrounds, including software developers, marketers, designers, and other enthusiasts. They gather to pitch ideas, form teams and start companies in just 54 hours. The participants that attend have 60 seconds to make optional pitches, which are whittled down to the top ideas, and then teams form around these ideas to come out with several developed companies or projects. Finally, the weekend culminates with demonstrations in front of an audience of judges and potential investors.

This is Dunedin’s first EVER Startup Weekend, but the event occurs all over the world throughout the year and they have been very successful. Ever wanted to be involved in starting a new business? The perfect opportunity is here...Startup Weekend Dunedin!

No talk, all action – Launch a startup in 54 hours. The event will be held the weekend of 22-24 March in Otago Business School here in Dunedin.

To get involved or find out more, visit dunedin.startupweekend.org and register, or head to @StartUpWeekendDunedin on Facebook/tweet @SWDUD to chat to the organisers and find out more!

Are you ready to "Quick Pitch" at the Canterbury Software Cluster?

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:27:15 +1300

"Quick Pitch" at the Canterbury Software Cluster

The Canterbury Software Cluster would like to offer members the opportunity to promote their business, service or brilliant idea during our monthly events, usually held on the first Tuesday of each month.

Each month two to three quick pitch slots will be available.

No slides - just you, your idea and a (hopefully) supportive crowd!

If you are interested please send your details and pitch topic to speakers@canterburysoftware.org.nz and we will be in touch to confirm a date.