Impactful Innovation 2026
OCTOBER 12
What is Impactful Innovation?
Where Big Ideas Meet Bold Action
Impactful Innovation 2026 brings together global leaders, groundbreaking founders, and deep-tech experts shaping tomorrow’s world.
Through keynote talks, fireside chats, and live venture pitches, you'll connect with the people driving change across some of the world's most critical markets. Impactful Innovation bridges New Zealand’s world-class deep-tech with international opportunity, creating a portal for innovation without borders.
Planetary Health
Human Health
Frontier Technology
WHEN AND WHERE IS IMPACTFUL INNOVATION?
IMPACTFUL INNOVATION Aotearoa
When: October 12, 2026
Where: 124 Halsey Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland
Impactful Innovation is once again leading the charge as the opening event for Auckland Startup Week, a city-wide celebration of innovation, talent, and big ideas across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Featured Speakers
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Rinku Patel
AI TRANSFORMATION EXECUTIVE, HEALTHCARE FOUNDER, BOARD DIRECTOR
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Kathryn Meng
VENTURE CAPITALIST, PLANETARY HEALTH INVESTOR, BOARD DIRECTOR
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Fraser Hodgson
INNOVATION DIRECTOR, ANIMAL HEALTH EXECUTIVE, COMMERCIALISATION EXPERT
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Juliana Garaizar
VENTURE CAPITALIST, CLIMATE TECH LEADER, ECOSYSTEM BUILDER
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Kelli Luginbuhl
BIOTECH FOUNDER, ECOSYSTEM BUILDER, BOARD DIRECTOR
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Oliver Hardick
BIOTECH FOUNDER, INVESTMENT DIRECTOR, BOARD MEMBER
IMPACTFUL INNOVATION SPOTLIGHT
THE future reimagined
The Impactful Innovation Spotlight is a platform for innovative startups and early-stage ventures to showcase their groundbreaking ideas to the wider innovation ecosystem. This is your chance to pitch your vision and gain exposure. Enter to win all-access tickets and seize the opportunity to present your concept to an audience of potential collaborators, investors, and partners.
Application announcements coming soon!
Secure your spot at Impactful Innovation 2026
Impactful Innovation 2026 is Supported By
Want to be part of Impactful Innovation 2026?
We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities for those looking to support and connect with Aotearoa’s deep-tech ecosystem. Get in touch to learn more.
WHAT IS AUCKLAND STARTUP WEEK?
Auckland's premier innovation event
Impactful Innovation is once again leading the charge as the opening event of Auckland Startup Week, a city-wide celebration of innovation, talent, and big ideas across Tāmaki Makaurau.
This series of events brings together visionary founders, international investors and industry leaders for five days of inspiration, connection and opportunity.