PlantTech Regional Research Institute

Priority One and the University of Waikato partnered with a consortium of eight local businesses to secure $8.4m in investment from the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment to help establish PlantTech - a new technology research institute in the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region.

The founding group includes Bluelab, Cucumber, GPS-It, Eurofins, Plus Group Horticulture, Trimax Mowing Systems, Waka Digital and Zespri International, alongside Priority One and the University of Waikato.  PlantTech will accelerate innovation using the region’s horticulture industry as a testing ground for new technologies and services.  Its research will be commercialised nationally and globally in markets including sports fields, hydroponics, logistics and primary industry land use, as well as horticultural technologies.

PlantTech became operational in the second half of 2018, with the appointment of Mark Begbie as Chief Executive.  It aims to build regional and national capability in the application of advanced technologies to strengthen hi-tech exports.  The PlantTech team has expertise in data sciences and automation, focusing on premium natural plant production and developing collaborative relationships with industry, research organisations and international partners.

Contact:
mark.begbie@planttechresearch.com

PlantTech Regional Research Institute project aims