Tech festival to foster innovation in Dunedin

An expo that demystifies tech for all ages, called TEXpo, will be the highlight of Dunedin Techweek on 19-27 May.

Techweek will showcase research, products and industries that have emerged in Dunedin. Events are being held throughout New Zealand.

Dunedin Techweek Ambassador and Operations and Engagement Co-ordinator of Dunedin’s SIGNAL ICT Grad School, Kylie Jackson, said the events will provide a chance to meet people from Dunedin's growing tech sector and learn how research can be turned into commercial reality, as well as explore career options within the sector.

“This festival will allow the tech community to connect and share expertise. It will show Dunedin to be an up and coming tech and innovation centre. We have an abundance of success stories due to the city’s many tech education and research opportunities, and strong ties with industry,” Kylie said.

“We also want to promote tech career opportunities for young people and encourage diversity in tech.”

University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic staff and students and local industries will display Dunedin’s many facets of tech at TEXpo on 26 May. All ages can get hands on with the latest innovations at this free event.

Other events will include talks, demonstrations, open days, displays, film screenings, and workshops.

They will allow locals and visitors to learn about topics such as electric vehicles, 3D printing, computer coding, software design, and app making. Four events for seniors will provide a guide for keeping safe online.

There will be a behind the scenes look at Otago Museum’s Perpetual Guardian Planetarium, and a chance to experience state of the art technology and science interactives at the Museum’s Tūhura Otago Community Trust Science Centre.

Event venues will include the SIGNAL ICT School for Graduates and Innov8HQ and Petridish co-working space in Vogel St, libraries, Otago Museum, and Otago Polytechnic.

Kylie said there is still time to submit events for the programme or book an exhibit at the TEXpo.

The Techweek programme will be launched at SIGNAL in Vogel St at 5pm tomorrow (21 March). Guests will be able to watch live streaming of the programme launch from Auckland. Techweek is also being held in Christchurch, Wellington, Northland, Gisborne, and the West Coast.

Techweek Dunedin has been organised by a team of representatives from local industry, University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic, and Enterprise Dunedin.

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