2009 Winners
2009 PricewaterhouseCoopers New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards Winners
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Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
A leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a range of innovative healthcare devices which incorporate unique features to improve patient care. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare offers a broad range of products and systems for use in respiratory care, the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, neonatal care and operating rooms.
The judges say:
Even in a strong group of finalists, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is an outstanding company. It has achieved sales of over $400M in 110 countries, with sustained profitability. The company has 250 people in R&D developing new products for their target respiratory medical device market, and files 50 to 60 patents per year. All this is a result of an impressive leadership team and high standards of governance, making for a clear leader for the NZ Hi-Tech sector.
Sonar6
Sonar6 was founded in 2004 based on the idea that performance management should be simple and rewarding. Sonar6 now has customers all around the world and is well known as the innovator in Human Resource software.
The judges say:
The judges saw Sonar6 as having a compelling product delivered as "Software as a Service", that addressed a large and varied international market. A very "sticky idea" its graphics based performance and talent management software, has opportunities for multiple income streams and product extensions, globally scalable, sonar6 has a well thought through strategy for successful implementation.
Biomatters Ltd
Biomatters was founded on the principle of creating software that can be used by all researchers in their daily work. Its technology converts raw data into meaningful, visual information, simplifying research and ultimately improving efficiency.
Massive Software
Massive is the premier simulation and visualization solution system for generating and visualizing realistic crowd behaviors and autonomous agent driven animation for a variety of industries, including film, games, television, architecture, transportation, engineering, and robotics.The judges say:
In making a very difficult decision the judges considered the current impact of the technology in the finalists domain - Having a clear vision of how their innovation will be applied in the future - elements of novelty real market acceptance -that they were technically ahead of their competition and went beyond the usual automation of the obvious
Massive, is recognised for the contribution their work in "simulation of behaviour" will have on the future of virtual worlds in applications other than just entertainment. It's about business model transformation that has positioned massive for success.
Specific to BioMatters, is the exploitation of grid computing to establish a new paradigm for research collaboration with and beyond academia. It is a company that was born global with a mission to achieve deep collaboration.
NextWindow Ltd
NextWindow is an international leader in the development of optical multi-touch technology and the manufacture of optical multi-touch screens, overlays and OEM touch components.
Vesper Marine
Vesper Marine was founded by offshore sailing enthusiasts Deirdre Schleigh and Jeff Robbins. The AISWatchMate is the result of their desire for a powerful, simple, affordable, collision warning system that is easy to use and can be continuously on.The judges say:
A very difficult decision by the judges because of the high level of extremely innovative products in this category. The winners were chosen for quite different reasons.
Vesper Marine stood out for its elegant "simple-use" solution that solved all problems faced by the marine industry in dealing with marine anti-collision safety. As the only standalone product available in this area it demonstrated a sound understanding of the customer's needs. The product, designed and built in house has given Vesper Marine a very promising future.
Next Window was selected because of its superb commercialisation of a small technology and enough IP ownership to interest major global players. Next Window is another company with a bright future.
Xero
Xero is an online accounting system designed for small businesses and their advisors. Its customers have instant access to bank transactions, invoices, reports, GST etc anywhere in the world.
The judges say:
The judges were impressed not only with Xero's online accounting service (which is truly excellent) but also with the completeness of the business thinking behind it:
understanding their target market and its needs; the breadth and sheer scale of Xero's business opportunity, tempered with a pragmatic realism about what to do and what not to do;
and - from the outset - understanding what it takes to build and operate a business for smart execution and global scale - and putting that in place early.
eDay
eDay is a community initiative designed to raise awareness of the hazardous nature of electronic waste (e-waste), while offering an easy way for households to dispose of old computers and mobile phones in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The judges say:
e-Day was a clear winner of the Outstanding Industry Initiative Award, demonstrating thought leadership at a time when needed and delivering national-scale community, economic and environmental benefits.
e-Day has grown from small beginnings in Wellington in 2006 to collecting 946 tonnes of e-waste from 33 centres in 2008. Until commercial e-waste schemes become fully operational, it is hoped that e-Day continues to play a vital role in helping New Zealand minimise the negative effects of e-waste.
Milton Bloomfield
Milton applies his capabilities across an increasingly wide range of applications including the Martin Jetpack and building bikes for the NZ Olympic Cycling Team. He was also responsible for overseeing and managing the SPARC funded, PowerBlade project carried out in 2008 by four University of Canterbury final year Mechanical Engineering students.
The judges say:
Choosing between such compelling and different entries was difficult for all the judges involved - but after some lengthy discussion - The judges saw Milton Bloomfield as standing out for his obvious skills across several related - but different - applications. The hands-on technical nature of Milton's application and his success based on those high level skills - also sets him apart.
In recognition of service to the New Zealand hi-tech industry.
Marion Rogers
Instrumental in establishing the Hi-Tech Awards Marion was also involved from the start in the Electronics Manufacturing Council and the Electronics Exporters Association of New Zealand. On many occasions a consultant to government and also part of the lobby group NZ Inc.
It has been an involvement with the industry that has spanned close to three decades and has included mentoring countless University and school students and placing thousands of engineers, management staff and technicians into jobs with Hi-Tech companies.
Andrew Graham
A founder of Inro Technologies, Andrew Graham is a young manager and leader who is described as having an "instinctive ability to motivate individuals and teams". He has, amongst other things, founded a company and created 30 jobs in an entirely new industry.
John-Daniel Trask
John-Daniel has been primarily responsible for the development of Mindscapes' sales and marketing strategy and its execution. He is described as one of those "rare individuals" able to combine technical capability with astute business practice.The judges say:
Andrew Graham was recognised by the judges as having achieved a huge amount in less than eighteen months. Not only has he started a new company which has 30 staff, he secured venture capital to do this and at the same time completed a PhD. He is considered to be one of NZ 's leading robotic specialists and as such invited to international conferences as guest speaker.
John-Daniel Trask is focused, has strong self-belief and has built a successful young business. a sponge for knowledge, the judges recognise that he has the potential to be a future business leader being both A skilled young entrepreneur, with both technical and business skills. Very focussed and achievement oriented - John-Daniel Trask is definitely a man to watch.
NZ Hi-Tech Company of the Year Finalists