MEDIA RELEASE - Some of the country’s hottest start-ups and established entrepreneurs have made it through an intensive pitch process – selected to join Vodafone’s new global accelerator programme, Vodafone xone.

Ten kiwi start-ups and SMEs have been chosen to take part in Vodafone xone, a unique business accelerator designed to nurture the best ideas and kiwi talent in the research and commercialisation of world-class technology.

The winning finalists are innovators from a diverse range of sectors, such as smart home, sports broadcasting, agriculture, education, health, big data and drones.

They include Spalk, a group of Auckland University graduates wanting to revolutionise sports commentary in broadcasting, and Wireless Guard, a Christchurch company innovating in home security by turning doors and windows into smart, connected devices.

“We are thrilled to announce the ten xone companies. The people behind them are passionate entrepreneurs, and we’re excited to be supporting them and helping them to succeed on an international scale,” said Vodafone’s consumer director Matt Williams.

“Our ambition is to the find the best new mobile and digital technologies in New Zealand, and take them to the world through Vodafone’s international network,” he said.

The ten start-ups were hand-picked by a panel of expert judges from more than 170 applicants from around New Zealand. Each team will receive a total package worth more than $150,000, including $25,000 in seed-funding and world class mentoring as part of a six-month programme.

In addition, the companies will receive access to a collaborative working space inside Vodafone’s new $50 million purpose built HQ in Christchurch, and technology development through the Vodafone xone Innovation Lab.

Government agency Callaghan Innovation is backing Vodafone xone, coming on board as a partner and committing $900,000 over the next three years to help fund the Innovation Lab for research and development. The facility, containing specialised technology worth $19 million, will be open to the xone companies, and will also be of high value to businesses operating outside the xone accelerator programme. Jonathan Miller, Digital Technology Sector Manager at Callaghan Innovation, says the Innovation Lab will encourage a global outlook for New Zealand businesses.

“As well as being an international launch pad for kiwi start-ups, New Zealand companies of all sizes can access the world-class tech facilities on offer at the Vodafone xone Innovation Lab – to test and develop their internet-of-things, smart network and mobile ideas,” Mr Miller said.

Vodafone xone is the seventh to be set up around the world.

The ten Vodafone xone companies are:

Wireless Guard: University of Canterbury graduates, making homes safer and setting minds at ease by transforming existing doors and windows into smart, connected, secure devices.

Haptly: Auckland-based drone technology developer, improving pasture-based farming through real time autonomous drone tracking and management for beyond line of sight applications.

Blerter: Auckland-based developer of health and safety apps that help companies keep their workers safe. Blerter makes health and safety processes easy, engaging and fun – helping to ensure everyone goes home safe each night.

Spalk: Auckland university graduates, unlocking alternative sports commentary for teams and broadcasters, by synchronising live game video with commentators around the globe.

Solarbright: Christchurch-based innovator in LED-lighting. Developer of a solar-powered road cat’s eye, contributing to road safety and capable of communicating big data.

IoTStream: Early-stage Auckland start-up. Making the Internet-of-Things accessible through a network, data and storage platform that makes product development easier and faster.

Parking Sense: Cambridge based growth stage start-up, offering an off-street parking guidance system for car parks around the world. Provides a management system, dynamic pricing ability and guidance to car parks.

Linewize: Christchurch-based developer of a cloud managed content filtering system, giving schools and parents at home complete control and visibility over internet use.

Catch.it: Allows viewers to easily share via social media snackable, streamed moments as they happen. Founded by a former NZ soccer player.

LINC-ED: Christchurch former school principal and teacher, turned web/app developers. LINC-ED promotes the sharing of learning and creativity in a simple format that helps parents to understand their children's next steps.

For further information go to: https://xone.vodafone.co.nz/