Eligibility For This Category

Your company is registered in NZ and meets at least two of the following criteria:

• Founded in NZ
• Global headquarters are in NZ
• At least 20% of your employees reside in NZ

In Entering This Category

• You have developed a technology-based solution originating from primary research (deep tech).
• Your first commercial sale needs to have been made in the last three years and you will also need to demonstrate that you made a commercial sale (this excludes grants and investment) in calendar year 2025.
• Your deep tech solution is genuinely innovative and you can demonstrate how it’s positioned for future success.
• You are working, or have worked, directly with scientists and/or researchers to create this solution.
• Upon request, you can supply the judges with evidence to support any claims made in this entry and be able to prove that:
  • The solution was designed in NZ
  • Your company owns or has rights to use the IP
  • The first commercial sale of the solution was made in the last three years
  • A commercial sale of the solution was made between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025