Expo champions innovation in Ōtautahi

Innovation leaders and big-thinking start-ups take centre stage at the Innovation Expo, returning to Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre this September.

The free two-day event on Friday 27 September and Saturday 28 September, will feature the best and brightest solutions by local and national businesses, organisations, educational institutions, and emerging innovators.

Championing a more liveable, prosperous, healthy and resilient future for Ōtautahi Christchurch, the expo is produced by Christchurch City Council’s Smart Christchurch unit.

Event organiser and City Initiatives Lead Grace de Leon says the city has a progressive innovation ecosystem.

“The Innovation Expo is one of three major events at Te Pae in the last week of September, branded together as Innovate Ōtautahi,” Ms de Leon says. “It’s a big week of sharing ideas, networking, and connecting with people interested in tech, innovation and the future of our city.”

New Zealand Aerospace Summit and Canterbury Tech Summit are also included in the week of innovation-focused events.

“At the Innovation Expo, people will be able to engage with a diverse range of innovators, discover new technological advancements, and learn about future-focused initiatives that are driving positive change in our city and beyond,” Ms de Leon says.

Alongside a dynamic display of interactive exhibits, a programme of inspiring speaking sessions will run throughout the expo.

“We’ll be seeing a lot of school groups and businesspeople come through on Friday – with tours, speaking sessions and workshops catering to those audiences. On Saturday, the programme will include a mix of content,” Ms de Leon says.

“Innovation is all about thinking differently and doing things differently to solve some of our existing challenges and create a future full of possibilities.”

Register for your free ticket at Eventbrite or check out the Innovation Expo website to learn more.