New Zealand industry representatives all gathered for the today’s launch of multimillion-dollar horticulture research institute PlantTech. PlantTech will focus on applying cutting edge artificial intelligence and machine learning to the scientific challenges in New Zealand's horticulture industry.
PlantTech Research Institute chief executive officer Mark Begbie was the opening speaker and talked of the need for innovation and collaboration in the industry.
Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt said the launch of the new institute had been smooth, a testament to the "can-do attitude" of all those involved. He said there was no doubt that PlantTech would bring economic benefit to both the regional industry and New Zealand as a whole.
Minister for Science and Innovation Dr Megan Wood closed the speeches and told the crowd she was "absolutely delighted" to officially launch PlantTech. She said the Bay of Plenty was a "regional powerhouse" and stood as the region with the fifth biggest GDP in the country and the second biggest growth.
Dr Wood added it was exciting to see a growing appreciation for science and innovation in the Bay of Plenty. She said artificial intelligence would help the industry stay ahead of shared challenges, such as labour shortages and climate change.
Start-up fund
PlantTech worked with the University of Waikato and other tertiary partners and secured $8.42m start-up fund from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment alongside $1m over three years from the industry.
Nzherald.co.nz explains how the institute was welcomed by Zespri, with the kiwifruit giant already spending around $35 million a year on innovation and research. Zespri chief innovation and sustainability officer Carol Ward previously said PlantTech would complement its efforts to improve orchard productivity and address environmental and labour challenges.
The institute was established in February 2018.