Mid-May marked "Tech Week" In Auckland, and North Shore was very much part of the action. The B:HIVE at Smales Farm was buzzing with entrepreneurs and “tech-xperts” at  Tech-Xpectations, Grow North Innovation District’s “school-to-scaleup Innovation Escalator”, hosted by Smales Farm, Massey Business School and ecentre, Shore Junction, and Takapuna Beach Business Association. Business owners and entrepreneurs joined with thought leaders from across the technology and innovation spectrum to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation now and into the future.

After (and before) some valuable networking time, and an opportunity to explore the stands and demonstrations at the associated expo, MC Sarah Cross from Everedge hosted an interactive discussion and problem-solving forum, where those attending had the opportunity to connect with an array of experts. Attendees chose the topics that interested them most and left each short session bursting with new ideas and information.

At the Tech-Xpectations Expo, visitors could see and experience KiwiQuads racing drones and indoor racing league, Virtual Reality for retail research from Consumer Insights (a Massey University spinout company), Augmented Reality from Curiat, and Impact Projects undertaken by Albany Senior High School students.