As a result of a shift in consumer preferences, a growing global population and continuing climate change, there is a need to continue to foster innovation in order to deliver positive environmental outcomes. B.linc Innovation has partnered with UC Centre for Entrepreneurship to deliver the upcoming food, fibre and agritech Supernode Challenge.
The Supernode Challenge seeks to accelerate ideas for disruptive solutions to New Zealand’s most pressing issues/challenges facing primary industries. As part of this, financial resources, in-kind prizes, and expert support will be available to teams with ambitious visions and solutions about the future of food fibre and agritech.
At this event, guests will hear from representatives from 3 of the major sponsors – AgResearch, ChristchurchNZ and Kiwinet. They will discuss where innovation networks can be further fostered in Canterbury, what needs to be put in place to further develop capabilities and what outcomes they hope to achieve from the food, fibre and agritech Supernode Challenge.
Come prepared with your questions, gain an understanding of how innovation in New Zealand will be supported in future and be inspired to develop (or improve) your own entry into the food, fibre and agritech Supernode Challenge.
Meet Our speakers
Alexandra Stuthridge, Commercialisation Manager, Kiwinet
Having spent most of her career working in innovation ecosystem, Alexandra has significant direct senior-level experience in innovation development, commercialisation, operational management and business administrative areas.
Alexandra has spent the past 5 years working in Canada's innovation ecosystem, playing increasingly important roles with organisations and universities. Alexandra has been successful in commercialisation of scientific technologies, research projects and programmes, creating an open innovation environment (both internally and externally) and the ability to bring together non-traditional relationships across value chains and sectors.
Maxine Bryant, Associate Research Director, AgResearch
Maxine has a range of experience in the research management profession. Prior to joining AgResearch, she worked at the University of Canterbury for fifteen years in a range of roles including project managing the development and implementation of various research management tools, Performance Based Research Fund Manager, and Director of Research Services (managing pre-award and post-award research office functions).
Trained in biological science, Maxine holds a PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Canterbury. She serves on the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) Board, is an ARMS accredited training fellow, member of the ARMS New Zealand and Pacific Islands Chapter Committee. She is also a Certified Project Management Professional.
Robyn Cox, Food and Fibre Specialist, ChristchurchNZ
Bio not provided