Creative HQ officially launched

Creative HQ officially launched

Prime Minister Helen Clark will be in attendance today as Positively Wellington Business celebrates the official launch of its creative technology incubator, Creative HQ. While the incubator has been operational since late last year today’s launch will be the official opening and a celebration of the seven fledging companies now in residence at its inner city offices.

Creative HQ interim manager Mark Blumsky reports that they have been flooded with over 70 applicants despite little advertising. However stiff entry criteria has meant that only those companies who can demonstrate the potential to earn export dollars, present a unique, well researched business plan and display a commitment to growth have been accepted.

Operating under a ‘grow-and-go’ philosophy the incubator provides premises and mentoring to start up companies who are working, or plan to work, within convergent technologies - everything from game developers to fashion designers. It is anticipated that companies will occupy their desk for around two years before successfully integrating into the business community.

The incubator forms an integral part of the Positively Wellington Businesses focus on creative industries and confirms a public sector commitment to developing innovative technologically advanced companies within the region.

“Creative HQ is a celebration of the regions growing innovative technology based industries, we are delighted to be contributing toward the creative strategy for the region ” said Positively Wellington Businesses newly appointed Creative and Film Sector Manager Chris Lipscombe.

More information

Creative HQ is an initiative of Positively Wellington Business, formerly known as the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency. Creative HQ ‘s establishment was made possible due to the support of Industry New Zealand and a number of private sector sponsors. These sponsors include AJ Park, Clemengers BBDO, Deloittes, Synergy, Massey University, Victoria University, Morrison Kent and Whitieria Polytechnic.

Existing tenants at Creative HQ are:

Blister – established by key personnel from The Lord of the Rings, Blister has developed a new gameplay structure for wireless devices called External Resource Gaming. Totally Digital - a leading edge web software development company, it’s primary focus at the moment being SilverStripe – a highly intuitive website content management application. Fringe of the Sky - intending to build a distribution business specializing in software solutions for the film industry with Virtual Katy the first product in an intended range of products to make film making easier, more flexible and more creative. Spikefin - Spikefin have designed a very unique web ordering and P.O.S system. The product was judged best Business to Consumer application in the TUANZ interactive awards. Innaworks - Innaworks has developed a set of innovative technologies in static analysis and optimisation with the potential to disrupt the landscape of embedded software development. Blue Boar Interactive - aiming to become a world-class developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a range of hardware platforms in the digital games market. Avocado Press – seeking to become a highly successful global publisher, Avocado Press focuses on non-fiction books that make a positive contribution to communities or not-for-profit organisations.

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