Tauranga Techweek answers questions about technology's future

Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt says technology has a key role to play in New Zealand's future prosperity. Photo / File

How will things like robotics, artificial intelligence and quantum computing impact our jobs over the next 10 years?

How can the powerful tool of data insights drive improvements in business decision making?

What are our local tech innovators doing for the good of the world?

What are the cutting edge careers now available in the tech industry?

These are just some of the questions that will be answered when Techweek'19 comes to Tauranga this month.

Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt says: "Technology has a key role to play in New Zealand's future prosperity and our ability to compete globally in this high value sector. There are many instances where we have taken our 'Kiwi ingenuity' to the world and we punch above our weight in this respect. This is particularly the case in our agritech sector, where we have blended our traditional strengths with technology and are globally recognised for our innovation."

A cornerstone event is the official launch of PlantTech, the industry-led artificial intelligence research institute based in the Western Bay focused on applying technology and innovation in premium plant-based value chains.

PlantTech chief executive Mark Begbie says: "This is New Zealand's first demand-driven, translational research organisation dedicated to delivering science excellence in AI to take our horticulture industry to new heights of global competitiveness. The mini-exhibition being hosted as part of the launch will offer the public rare and exciting insights into the agtech sector and the work being undertaken in AI applications."

Other events on the Tauranga programme include tech talks from local developers on the technical aspects of their personal or professional projects targeted at those with a knowledge of coding and 'DevExpo' – a careers expo for those considering working in development or with an interest in coding and want to know more about the industry from those involved in the sector.

The Ministry of Education is also facilitating an event that will provide an update on the future of work and innovation as it relates to the requirements of industry and the school and tertiary sectors.

Ezra Schuster, Ministry of Education director of education (Bay of Plenty Waiariki), says: "We are excited to be partnering with the Tech Leaders Executive and regional education leaders to build stronger educational pathways to the future of work for rangatahi across our region."

Techweek Tauranga is being held at a range of venues across the city from May 20-26, 2019 and many of the events are free. To find out more and register for the events, visit https://techweek.co.nz/whats-on/search/?s=tauranga.