(PR.co.nz) Lightning Lab Christchurch today announced the ten startups who have been selected for the local programme which will be run in the GreenHouse innovation hub within the Christchurch Innovation Precinct. The programme is being delivered by Canterbury Development Corporation with support from Callaghan Innovation and Spark.
The startups who will commence the programme on 17 August are:
ADDRESS.COOL
Provides a universal tool that gives you the ability to update your address automatically across all organisations.
DEBTOR DADDY
Helps you manage receivables smarter.
CONDUCE
An enterprise platform that centralises business information and applications so your organisation can collaborate easily.
PROPERTYPLOT
Provides online tools to help buyers and investors make calculated decisions to find the best property deals and manage their portfolios.
MTECH GAMES
Develops video games for serious purposes such as training and clinical rehabilitation using leading edge technology such as virtual reality and augmented reality.
HOSPITALITY INITIATIVES
Making it easier for hospitality operators to manage and develop their business.
POCKETPHYSIO
An intuitive and simple way to communicate and prescribe patient rehabilitation.
NOWWOT
A social platform for groups to discover, do and share novel activities.
SUCHCROWD
An online platform that facilitates interaction between event planners and event goers to create bigger crowds, better events and more fun.
BAMTINO
An online artisan goods directory. It connects those who want high quality artisan products with those who make them.
Startups will each receive $18,000 seed funding, mentorship and the opportunity to work intensely on their business throughout the 12-week programme in the GreenHouse innovation hub.
This is the first time Lightning Lab, New Zealand’s premiere business accelerator programme, has been run in Christchurch and the response from the startup community has been overwhelming with enquiries coming in from around New Zealand and overseas.
Lightning Lab Christchurch Programme Director Geoff Brash says it was challenging to pick the final 10 companies for this first programme.
“The range of startups that applied was huge and the standard of applications was outstanding. Our criteria focuses on the team and then the product and market they are targeting. A good team will be able to adapt and respond well to advice and we are confident the 10 businesses we have on board will really leverage the opportunity the programme provides,” Geoff said.
Lightning Lab started in New Zealand in 2013 and has run programmes in Wellington and Auckland. Each programme accepts up to 10 tech startups and provides each with structure, startup methodologies, business skills and focused support so they can successfully prove, build and grow their businesses.
Teams are given access to a network of more than 100 mentors, interns and advisors from across New Zealand and around the globe, who share experiences, confront assumptions and test teams’ fortitude while sharing a powerful network of expertise, experience and connections.
Canterbury Development Corporation Chief Executive Tom Hooper says supporting startups is critical to the long-term health of the region’s economy.
“Entrepreneurship drives economic growth and having this world-class programme in Christchurch is a great opportunity for startups to grow their business within the supportive and collaborative environment of the Christchurch Innovation Precinct,” Tom said.
Spark New Zealand’s Head of the South Island Paul Deavoll said, “as the city rebuilds, it’s evident that there are smart people thinking innovatively. Spark are supporting Lightning Lab because we believe that part of our role is to help enable a digital future for New Zealand. That’s especially important right now in Christchurch where there are great opportunities and fewer constraints. Using apps, smart phones and digital technology there are endless possibilities for new things and we are proud to be helping make this happen.”
The programme will conclude in November with a high-profile event called Demo Day, where the startups will pitch to investors. Lightning Lab teams have raised more than $5 million in investment following previous Demo Day events.
For more information visit www.lightninglab.co.nz/christchurch