Richard Branson and Steve Wozniak to judge kiwi business ideas

Two of the biggest names in business are set to judge New Zealand’s best technological and social change champions in global business awards.

Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak and Virgin Group and founder Richard Branson are just some of the names on a judging panel which will assess ‘business champions’ from across the globe.

Five New Zealanders were identified as the best technological and social change champions in the APAC Talent Unleashed awards last week in categories including Best Start-Up and Community Impact and will move on to the competition's final later in the year. 

Mr Wozniak says it’s time to look beyond Silicon Valley for innovation and diversification.

“More and more we’re seeing interesting start-ups flourish outside of Silicon Valley in places such as the UK and India but also in Israel, New Zealand, Singapore, Finland, and Brazil to name just some.”

 “We all know diversity brings so much more to the table and by focusing outside of the usual and rewarding all sorts of people in tech, we can only make it better,” he added.

Founder and Managing Director of Talent International Richard Earl, whose organisation was behind the awards, says the calibre of the entries reflect the reputation of our tec-savvy nation.  

“Nearly everyday there is a new story about another great, New Zealand-based, tech company launching in the market both locally and internationally.

“The local ecosystem for tech start-ups is fertile with investment and support from government, and respect for innovation, making for a positive and forward-thinking tech community.”

The Community Impact Award for social change pioneers went to Founder of Little Lot David Hillier, whose charitable giving platform uses advertiser’s money to allow the user to donate to a chosen charity by uploading branded wallpaper to a device.

Mr Hillier says he thinks New Zealand is a very innovative nation.

“I think our lives in general are changing significantly because of technology and the way companies are innovating.”

He says it’s great to have the likes of Steve Wozniak and Richard Branson having a look at the winner’s ideas and businesses.

Mr Hillier, along with four other New Zealanders and many more business campions worldwide, will be competing for chance to win a five-day workshop at the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship.

Jason Walls is an AUT journalism student