Reflections on the Hillary Innovation Summit

Hosted by the Hillary Institute and the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, this year's Summit brought together 300 local and international leaders to explore how we can build Aotearoa, NZ as a 'basecamp for a better world'. Sir Ed Hillary's son Peter spoke of his legacy of mountaineering and philanthropy, leading with with courage and tenacity including an ongoing committment to the Nepali people after summiting Mt Everest.

It was also the first Conference I've been to where Tim Ferriss has been a sponsor, though unfortunately he wasn't attending this year.

The opening keynote by His Excellency Anote Tong (former President and Kiribati environmental advocate) was sobering, with low-lying Pacific island nations on the front line of climate change. Now more than ever, action is needed and there is a real opportunity for NZ's role as a test bed for innovation.

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Long term vision

NZ's role in global leadership emphasises the importance of long-term thinking, international collaboration, and a commitment to innovation in tackling global challenges. From climate change and energy solutions to advancements in space and transportation, the Summit showcased how NZ is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in these fields. There is a clear call for greater investment in education, science, and knowledge generation to ensure the country remains at the forefront of technological advancements. The event was a powerful reminder that innovation thrives in an environment of collaboration, purpose-driven leadership, and long-term vision.

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Science and Innovation in policy  

With the merger of the CRIs and disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation now in play, it was interesting to hear from Sir Peter Gluckman on the recently released Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) Report. The majority of the recommendations have been accepted, and phase two including funding mechanisms is expected to be released later this year.

Gluckman discussed the importance of evidence-based policy and the need for science to be trusted. NZ's short political cycles often hinder long-term thinking, but we need to foster a culture of long-term planning in science and innovation. Key themes included:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biotech are a major focus, with AI being seen as a key driver of future innovation. There was a recognition that while science and innovation don’t always provide immediate returns, they are crucial to long-term success.

• Economic challenges: NZ is falling behind in investment in knowledge and innovation, and the need to increase spending on education, research, and technology was highlighted.

• The concept of “moku-economics” (intergenerational economics) was introduced to encourage investment in future-focused technologies, with a special emphasis on Māori tech companies and indigenous values.

• Foreign investment and tax regulations were discussed, noting that rules around illiquid offshore capital prevent New Zealand startups from fully benefiting from global investment opportunities.

The Honourable Todd McClay, Minister of Trade and Investment, also spoke about the need for foreign direct investment (FDI). The government is exploring ways to attract more high-level international investors to foster sustainable innovations, including in emerging sectors like geothermal energy. This will require changes to policy and a welcoming environment for international investors.

McLay announced the creation of a new ministerial portfolio, InvestNZ, and highlighted the need for this agency to operate with the efficiency and agility of the private sector to compete globally. The importance of ensuring companies are investment-ready was underscored, meaning they need to demonstrate professionalism and the ability to handle and maximise incoming investments. McLay is also keen to establish a Business and Innovation Advisory Group to advise on policies and initiatives that drive innovation and investment.

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Shaping NZ's Energy Futures

There is certainly a need for a comprehensive national energy strategy, and Ara Ake supported seven startups and founders to showcase their energy solutions:

• OpenStar: fusion technology for limitless, clean energy
• Cetogenix: hydrothermal oxidation technology (waste-to-biogas)
• Bspkl: catalyst coated membrane (CCM) technology for hydrogen electrolysers
• Aotea Energy: innovative battery solution
• Basis: smart panels for energy usage

University of Canterbury's Gavin Hedley (gas purification technology) and NZIMMR's Sudip Ray (hydrogen from hydrocarbons) also presented.

The hydrogen economy and synthetic gas (Syngas) were explored in detail as solutions for our energy challenges, especially in transportation. Companies like Helios Energy are focusing on future energy solutions and are making investments in sustainable energy infrastructure. We need more of that!

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Aerospace and advanced aviation

The air mobility transition is a hot topic, with Adam Grosser (currently developing ePlanes with Larry Page) discussing the future of electric flight. Nikhil Ravishankar from Air NZ emphasised the opportunity for NZ as a testbed for innovation, particularly in regional flight and electric aviation.

The 'Future of Space' session, led by Spacebase's Emmeline Paat-Dahlstrom, showed how NZ can lead in sustainable space. Kea Aerospace (solar powered stratospheric aircraft), Dawn Aerospace (reusable space planes and green propulsion) and Zenno Astronautics (magnets in space) presented on space-based technologies.

Inspiration and action

So many extraordinary speakers across Summit streams of the innovation economy, future state and planetary action. The challenge to us all is to accelerate NZ's innovation economy at a policy, investment and ecosystem level. The commercialisation of innovation needs to remain a high priority for us all.

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By Michelle Polglase, GM Projects Delivery