Christchurch’s innovation ecosystem is set to grow further with a funding injection for two businesses via the Callaghan Innovation Ārohia Trailblazer grant.
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Judith Collins announced the Callaghan Innovation Ārohia Trailblazer Grant recipients at the New Zealand Aerospace Summit in Christchurch. The seven recipients have a total of $17.5m in co-funding available to support their ‘get to market’ growth journey.
From Left, Martin Cudd GM of Innovation & Business Growth ChristchurchNZ, Hon. Judith Collins Minister for Space, Leatham Landon-Lane VP Business Development Zincovery, Ojas Mahapatra CEO Fabrum.
Christchurch businesses Fabrum Solutions and Zincovery were both recognised as ‘best of the best’ in their sector in the grant which seeks to support businesses that benefit the innovation ecosystem and have global potential.
Martin Cudd GM of Innovation and Business Growth at ChristchurchNZ said the growth and global demand for clean-tech solutions is increasing the pace of innovation in the sector.
GM of Innovation and Business Growth, ChristchurchNZ - Martin CuddFabrum and Zincovery are two fantastic examples of the innovation ecosystem at work here in Christchurch – Fabrum have been operating in the sector for 20+ years and Zincovery a relatively new startup out of the University of Canterbury both demonstrate the breadth of clean tech innovation here in the city and the considerable economic and environmental benefits of the industry,”
“Fabrum and Zincovery are two fantastic examples of the innovation ecosystem at work here in Christchurch – Fabrum have been operating in the sector for 20+ years and Zincovery a relatively new startup out of the University of Canterbury both demonstrate the breadth of clean tech innovation here in the city and the considerable economic and environmental benefits of the industry,” said Cudd.
More about Fabrum and Zincovery
Fabrum Solutions has a clear vision — to precision-engineer better outcomes through technological excellence, whilst leaving the lightest footprint possible and providing a pathway for future generations of engineers to continue that mission. The company has developed a very desirable library of patents and trade secrets, including cryocoolers, refuelling technologies, liquefiers and storage systems for hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and LNG. Fabrum operates around the globe with 80% of its product made in Christchurch and exported globally.
Fabrum Executive Chairman - Christopher BoyleBeing a recipient of an Ārohia Trailblazer Grant will enable Fabrum to set up a hydrogen testing and excellence centre in Christchurch. This will further extend the regions innovation ecosystem and enable us to commercialise our patented boil off gas management technology and composite liquid hydrogen storage systems. Both of these products are critical solutions for a clean energy future,"
"Being a recipient of an Ārohia Trailblazer Grant will enable Fabrum to set up a hydrogen testing and excellence centre in Christchurch. This will further extend the regions innovation ecosystem and enable us to commercialise our patented boil off gas management technology and composite liquid hydrogen storage systems. Both of these products are critical solutions for a clean energy future," says Christopher Boyle, Fabrum Executive Chairman.
The other recipient, Zincovery, has a mission to decarbonize zinc recycling - the steel recycling industry generates waste dust containing $10B USD worth of zinc every year. Currently, this dust can only be recycled through a coal reliant and expensive process, with double the CO2 footprint of mined zinc. To solve this, Zincovery is commercialising their innovative zinc recycling technology that avoids the use of fossil fuels, reducing emissions by up to 95% and processing costs by 45%.
Zincovery CEO - Jonathan RingChristchurch is a great location for Zincovery to develop our technology, thanks to the world class engineering department at the University of Canterbury, thriving technology sector and the attractive lifestyle Christchurch has to offer."
“Christchurch is a great location for Zincovery to develop our technology, thanks to the world class engineering department at the University of Canterbury, thriving technology sector and the attractive lifestyle Christchurch has to offer.
“Receiving the Callaghan Innovation Ārohia Trailblazer Grant accelerates our development, allowing us to invest in New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem by hiring skilled people and partnering with other innovative kiwi companies.” Says Jonathan Ring, Zincovery CEO.
Congratulations to Fabrum, Zincovery and all the Ārohia Trailblazer Grant recipients.
