Marlborough triumphs at Hi-Tech Awards
As Marlborough readies to celebrate innovation at the inaugural WinePRO Aotearoa international trade show and conference, two standout Marlborough companies have distinguished themselves at the recent 2024 Hi-Tech Awards.
Southern Water Engineering and Smart Machines were both finalists in the agritech section of the prestigious awards, with Smart Machines clinching the NZTE Most Innovative Hi-Tech Agritech Solution with their revolutionary autonomous tractor.
Council’s Economic Development Portfolio Manager Dorien Vermaas said both companies exemplified the cutting-edge advancements emerging from Marlborough. “Council is delighted to celebrate the recent successes of our local agritech industry, which has once again proven to be a cornerstone of innovation and economic growth in our region,” Ms Vermaas said.
“The achievements of Southern Water Engineering and Smart Machines serve as an inspiration and a catalyst for further advancements within our local agritech sector. These successes attract attention and investment from beyond our region, fuelling further economic development.”
“Council remains committed to supporting and nurturing the agritech industry through strategic initiatives and partnerships. We believe that by continuing to invest in innovation, sustainability, and community collaboration, we can achieve the goals set out in the Marlborough Economic Wellbeing Strategy and solidify our position as a leading agritech region,” Ms Vermaas said.
Smart Machines’ autonomous tractor is a groundbreaking innovation that promises to transform the agricultural landscape. This autonomous tractor integrates advanced AI and machine learning technologies, enabling it to perform a variety of farming tasks with precision and efficiency, significantly reducing the need for manual labour and enhancing productivity.
Southern Water Engineering has been a trailblazer in developing innovative water management solutions tailored for the agricultural sector. Their cutting-edge technologies optimise water usage, ensuring sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the farming community.
The New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards celebrate the success of producers of goods and services from the software, electronics, telecommunications, mobile, agritech, creative and high-tech industries. The awards are run by the NZ Hi-Tech Trust, a not-for-profit that promotes and supports the wider industry.