Tech Businesses Booming In Christchurch

Fast-growing Christchurch company Fabrum are at the forefront of developing green technology to fuel transport. Executive Chairman Christopher Boyle says its growth is helped by Christchurch’s business eco-system.

“A key part of the connectivity in Christchurch is its manufacturing history and its competency around new technologies. We underpin our ability to export technology offshore using a collaborative team of local manufacturers.”

Christopher says the benefits of basing Fabrum in Christchurch are second to none. “I’d say to any manufacturing companies that are looking for a solid base, with incredibly valuable connections and support, Christchurch is your place.”

Another company benefitting from Christchurch’s innovation ecosystem is software consultancy Planit. Established in 1997 and headquartered in Sydney, Planit provides services to help businesses efficiently deliver their technological vision. It opened its Christchurch office in 2017.

Director of Delivery (Southern) Liz Eden says the Christchurch office has grown substantially to 45 in the last 18 months, and the city’s attractiveness as a destination makes it an easy sell.

“We're seeing an influx of talent to Christchurch because people want to be able to buy a home or be closer to nature. Christchurch is easy to navigate – if you’re spending less time in the car, you’re spending more time with your family.”

Liz says Christchurch is the ideal size for a company like Planit.

“I think it's a connected community – people are open to building a network in Christchurch in a way that in bigger, busier communities, you can't.”

For Fabrum, Christopher says links to Christchurch’s tertiaries are part of that invaluable ecosystem.

“Being aligned to the University of Canterbury and Ara Institute of Canterbury means we’re forging future talent. We run student programmes every summer where we bring in five to 10 students for internships.”

With Canterbury University’s roll thriving, it’s Centre of Entrepreneurship is actively fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs with several programmes, including a summer programme for around 20 student led start-ups each year. It also runs Validator, an incubator programme that challenges entrepreneurs and researchers to establish if a viable market exists for their idea.

Christchurch is also home to the Ministry of Awesome, who since their inception in 2012 have supported over 214 startups out of Te Ōhaka – Centre for Growth and Innovation. The Ministry of Awesome provide advice, mentorship, community and innovation accelerators to support high-growth businesses and the engine room behind the city’s innovation ecosystem.

Christchurch-based lawyer Steven Moe – who assists start-ups at all stages of the city’s innovation ecosystem – says Christchurch has a unique start-up character created by people who have been through a lot.

“One critical factor (in the growth of start-ups) is that there have been more players taking part who understand that everyone involved is pulling in the same direction, in slightly different ways. This has led to a more cohesive and connected ecosystem than in other comparable cities.”

Liz Eden says the image of Christchurch as conservative and risk-averse is fading, with the number of startups in the city evidence of this. In 2022 Christchurch jumped 168 places in Startup Blink's Global Startup Ecosystem Index and remains firmly in the top 250 worldwide.

She says it’s an exciting time to start a business in Christchurch. “If it's going to cost you less and you get to set something up with your mates from university, and you could just stay in the city – why wouldn't you?”