Groundswell Festival aims to put Tauranga on world innovation map

Prioity One chief executive Nigel Tutt is spearheading a festival to make Tauranga an innovation leader. Photo/File

The innovative brain behind sports footwear company Nike is returning to his hometown of Tauranga for an inaugural week-long festival showcasing the work of the city's entrepreneurs and innovators.

Wade Flanagan will be a key speaker at Groundswell which aims to establish Tauranga as a national and international centre of excellence for innovation.

The festival, starting on August 7, will also host Blue2Green, Tauranga's inaugural international marine biotechnology conference.

Blue2Green has attracted top scientists from around the world who will hear about the marine research taking place in the Bay of Plenty.

Groundswell is being spearheaded by Tauranga economic development agency Priority One.

"Fostering a culture of innovation is fundamental to our region's future,'' said Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt.

It rested on the ability to attract skilled and talented people, new business and investment, he said.

Mr Tutt said Groundswell would demonstrate how Tauranga and the rest of the Western Bay was at the forefront of innovation.

The festival would feature developments in marine, health, agriculture, education, creative arts, sports and the Maori economy.

Mr Tutt said the festival was about encouraging collaboration and connections.

A key event would bring together top New Zealand and international innovation talent including Nike innovation developer Wade Flanagan, who was brought up in Tauranga.

Another guest speaker at the Young Innovator Awards and Innovation Forum will be Fusion Space Technologies chief executive Sinead O'Sullivan.

She will discuss her role in projects with United States space agency Nasa, the European Space Agency and the United States Centre for Climate Change.

The Sports Innovation Summit would feature four distinct perspectives from leading professionals, Mr Tutt said. The summit at Waikato University's Adams Centre for High Performance would see world-class athletes and researchers take the audience through the ''head to toe'' of sports innovation.

Mr Tutt said Tauranga's innovation ecosystem was thriving - from start-ups to schools and community events to corporates.

''In an age where traditional careers and organisational operations are rapidly changing due to automation and technology, Groundswell is an inspiring and relevant event for everyone.''

Innovation enabled business and communities to adapt to the demands and growth opportunities in the modern global economy, he said.

Groundswell project manager Stacey Jones said everyone was being encouraged to get involved including businesses, foundations, academia, the creative arts and schools.

Groundswell is being supported by Tauranga City Council, Bay of Connections, Callaghan Innovation, Tauranga Chamber of Commerce and Cucumber. See http://festival.gswell.co.nz for the schedule of events

Groundswell Festival activities
- Forums and presentations
- Workshops
- Open days and exhibitions
- Networking events