Bishop welcomes support for start-up manufacturers in Hutt Valley

National List MP based in the Hutt Valley, Chris Bishop, is delighted that renowned start-up digital accelerators, Creative HQ are bringing their innovative Lightning Lab programme to the Hutt Valley.

Supported by Callaghan Innovation, Hutt City Council, and Grow Wellington, the programme is designed to give start-up manufacturers in the Wellington region a significant boost. It is aimed at start-up businesses that are already producing in small numbers, or have a well-developed prototype.

“The Hutt Valley has some incredible innovative businesses, particularly in the technology sector. During the election campaign, I talked a lot about developing the Hutt as a hub for high value manufacturing, engineering, and technology businesses – “Technology Valley.

“Helping our fledgling technology businesses develop to become world beaters is a key part of my vision for the Hutt Valley,” says Mr Bishop.

“It will be exciting to see some of the Hutt’s new companies undergo a world-class development programme.”

Designed to provide eight start-ups with a toolkit of business skills, introductions to mentors and industry leaders, and connections to investors, the intensive programme will run over twelve weeks. At the completion, the eight participating businesses will present their propositions at a high profile ‘pitch day’ event.

The two digital Lightning Labs in 2013 and 2014 saw a total of nine new start-up companies receive $4.4 million in early stage ‘angel’ funding between them.

The accelerator pilot is currently scheduled to run from August to October 2015. Applications to join the programme will open around May.

Through its Business Growth Agenda, the National-led government has a strong focus on science and innovation. The government is making record investments in science, research and development, and the Marsden Fund, as well as delivering programmes like the National Science Challenges. Callaghan Innovation, based in the Hutt, is the government’s HQ for high-tech businesses.

ENDS

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