Innovation Expo gears up for its biggest year yet

Discover the latest technological breakthroughs and cutting-edge ideas shaping the future of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

This year, the Smart Christchurch Innovation Expo 2023 will be held at Te Pae on Sunday 10 September and Monday 11 September. Produced by Christchurch City Council’s Smart Christchurch programme, the two-day event is free to attend for registered ticket holders.

Expo organiser and Smart Christchurch Manager Michael Healy says his team is thrilled to have the event at Te Pae this year, for the first time.

“We’re excited to bring this incredible event, with over 100 interactive exhibitions, to such a world-class venue. People are going to love being in the space and engaging with all the innovative displays and technologies.”

Leading keynote sessions, panel discussions and interactive workshops at the Innovation Summit will inform and inspire on topics such as future transport, cybersecurity, Future of Place, and the Internet of Things.

With the free event appealing to a wide audience, Mr Healy says 10,000 people are expected to come through the expo over the two days.

“The Innovation Expo is a family-friendly event and provides an opportunity for whānau and people of all backgrounds and ages to experience something new together and feel inspired,” he says. 

“It also provides innovators a platform to showcase their new technology and ideas, and the opportunity to network with like-minded people and form new partnerships and collaborations,” says Mr Healy.

Free tickets for the Innovation Expo are available at Eventbrite, with registration essential. To stay up to date, you can follow the Facebook event page, which will announce further keynote sessions and workshops, some which will require separate registrations to secure a place.

Among the exhibitors and keynotes will be emerging start-ups, social enterprises, academic institutions (including student projects), industry disruptors, industry leaders, and the Council. Applications for exhibitors are open until 31 July.

“The Smart Christchurch team and our exhibitors and sponsors are passionate about sharing the innovative solutions we’ve developed to improve the way we live, our environment, and our approach to business, particularly locally, here in Christchurch. Some projects aim at reducing climate change impacts and increasing sustainability outcomes, while others use robotics and digital technologies in ground-breaking ways.”

Other Christchurch events centred on innovation during the week beginning 5 September are the Canterbury Tech Summit and Aerospace Summit, also hosted at Te Pae. These events and the Smart Christchurch Innovation Expo are supported by ChristchurchNZ.

Mr Healy says the future looks bright for the city. “Together, these events are sure to put Christchurch on the map as an innovation leader for years to come.”

Register now for your free ticket to the Innovation Expo and follow the Innovation Expo 2023 Facebook event page to stay up to date.