The Factory NZ

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The Factory backs bold. We are a high-performance incubator for entrepreneurs creating high-growth start-ups of tomorrow.

29/10/2026

Back in September, we had the opportunity to connect with David Steele, Director of Texas and Sportstech at Plug and Play, during his visit to New Zealand

It was a great opportunity to share what we’re building through The Factory’s new Sports & Health Tech Accelerator, exchange ideas and explore opportunities to connect New Zealand startups with global expertise, networks and markets.

As we prepare to launch the accelerator in February 2027, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead to strengthen New Zealand’s sports and health tech ecosystem.

A big thanks to Colin Kennedy, Creative HQ and Michelle Cole for helping make these connections possible!

🚀 Expressions of interest are open now, with applications opening in November!

Find out more: https://thefactorynz.co.nz/sports-health-tech

15/10/2026

We’re at Auckland Startup Week! 🚀

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of joining an Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment-hosted panel alongside some fantastic startup support organisations, including Sprout Agritech, Creative HQ, Ministry of Awesome, Tapuwae Roa, Ocean Impact Organisation, GridAKL and Soda Inc..

It was a great opportunity to share the different programmes available to support founders across Aotearoa.

We were particularly excited to talk about our upcoming Sports & Health Tech Accelerator, a new national programme designed to help ambitious startups grow, connect with industry experts and unlock new opportunities.

Expressions of interest are now open, with applications opening in November and the programme kicking off in February 2027!

Interested in finding out more? Check out the programme and register your interest here:

https://thefactorynz.co.nz/sports-health-tech

15/09/2026

Calling all women founders 📣

Next Tuesday (22nd of September) from 12pm, we’re excited to welcome Ministry of Awesome to the region for Electrify Community Connections, creating more opportunities for wāhine founders to connect, share experiences and support one another throughout the year ✨

Over one hour, with snacks and coffee to keep things moving ☕, this is a chance to build new local relationships, better understand the ecosystem around you and help shape your next move.

If you’re a wāhine founder, innovator or entrepreneur in Manawatū-Whanganui, we’d love to see you there 👀

Register to attend 👉 https://events.humanitix.com/electrify-community-connections-manawatu-whanganui

Manawatū Business Chamber | CEDA - Central Economic Development Agency | Women and Business

28/07/2026

GEN NZ Unconference, Workshops and Awards 2026 🇳🇿

Two days. Three connected experiences. One national ecosystem coming together in Wellington.

Join us 24-25 August at Rutherford House, Victoria University of Wellington, for practical workshops, the GEN NZ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Awards, and a full participant-led Unconference.

With 335 members and 200+ organisations across Aotearoa, this is where founders, investors, researchers, educators and ecosystem builders connect kanohi ki te kanohi. Last year sold out with 100+ participants - don’t miss your spot.

📅 24-25 August
📍 Rutherford House, Wellington

Find out more and get your ticket: https://www.gennz.org/unconference

24/07/2026

Are you working on an innovation in Science & Technology that would benefit from grant funding? 💡

Earle Creativity Trust grants are open now until 7 September.

Are you interested and want to learn more or apply for funding 👉 https://share-ap1.hsforms.com/1iEtG1CAHTjS5tKs4Mv3eZA58cnf

Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage | Inspire Net Limited | Stuff (Manawatū Standard) | New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Limited | CEDA - Central Economic Development Agency | Startup Aotearoa | Manawatū Business Chamber | MYPN - Manawatu Young Professionals Network | Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

08/07/2026

💡 Up to $50,000 in funding is available for science and technology projects through the Earle Creativity and Development Trust.

If you’re building something innovative in the Manawatū or Rangitīkei region, this could help take your idea from concept to reality 🚀

The Trust supports projects that turn creative ideas into practical outcomes, including software, engineering, manufacturing, electronics, food technology, and prototype development.

Whether you’re an individual, startup, researcher, or business with an innovative project, we’d love to hear from you.

Submit a short expression of interest below to learn more.

👉 Submit your Expression of Interest: https://share-ap1.hsforms.com/1iEtG1CAHTjS5tKs4Mv3eZA58cnf

15/06/2026

Fantastic time heading up and attending the Fieldays last week 🚜 Great to catch up with familiar faces, make new connections, and see what’s happening across the industry. Fantastic to connect with so many wonderful people! ✨

31/05/2026

Congratulations to our very own Colin “Coal” Groves on being appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.

This recognition reflects Coal’s outstanding contribution to business, philanthropy, and sport over many years. His leadership, generosity, and commitment to helping others succeed have made a lasting impact across New Zealand.

As Chair of The Factory, Coal brings wisdom, integrity, and a genuine passion for supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening our innovation ecosystem. We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from his guidance and leadership.

On behalf of everyone at The Factory, congratulations Coal on this well-deserved honour.

27/05/2026

A few weeks later and we’re still thinking about the energy in the room from the third Manawatū Innovation Showcase 💡

So many good conversations and reminders that there are some seriously exciting things happening across our region right now 🚀

Huge thanks to our speakers for sharing their stories, lessons, ideas and honesty with us 🙌
🎤 Kemp Reweti, Pūhoro STEMM Academy
🎤 Nancy Taneja, Toyota New Zealand
🎤 Shane Telfer, Captivate Technology
🎤 Guy Phillips, Firecrest Systems
🎤 Ellen Young, Real Worlders
🎤 Villi Tosi, Culture360°
🎤 Matthew June, HANK
🎤 Mac Williams, Swiggin'
🎤 Mrinali Kumar, EatKinda

And a massive shoutout to the partners and supporters who helped make the night happen 🤝

TechStep | Palmerston North City Council | Manawatū District Council | Blacksheepdesign | CEDA - Central Economic Development Agency | Firecrest Systems | The Lighthouse | Momentum | Central Energy Trust | Sprout Agritech | Palmy Venues + Events

One of the highlights of the evening was announcing the Innovate Grant recipients, these are mirco grants for entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey 🚀

Big congratulations to:
🏆 Kathleen White, creating a postpartum supplement powder drink.
🏆 Shiloh Dyer, building an AI platform to improve, measure and track students reasoning capabilities.
🏆 Harry Bristow, creating a next-generation functional energy brand, replacing traditional drinks and pre-workouts with fast-acting, use-case driven caffeine pouches.
🏆 Shumin Zhou, building a platform that gives families real-time visibility into the care their loved one receives at home, by letting carers log visits instantly via a QR code with no app or account required.
🏆 Mac Williams, automating the process of feeding orphan lambs.

Thanks to everyone who came along, asked questions, made connections, helped behind the scenes, or simply showed up and backed the founders. We’re pretty lucky to have this community, and already looking forward to the next one ✨

26/05/2026

We’re part way through today’s Governance for Growth Workshop at The Factory, delivered in partnership with Angel Association New Zealand 🪽

It’s been fantastic to see a room full of founders, directors, trustees, and future directors from across the region coming together to learn more about governance, boards, and building stronger businesses ✨

A big thank you to our facilitators, Debra Hall and Greg Sitters, for sharing their experience and leading such valuable discussions throughout the day.

And thanks to everyone attending and contributing to the conversations so far 🌟

Manawatū

Address

21 Dairy Farm Road
Palmerston North
4440

Website

http://thefactorynz.co.nz/

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