Record 300-plus firms shortlisted for New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards

A record number of over 300 companies from across New Zealand have been named as finalists for the 2025 Hi-Tech Awards.

The awards, now in their 30th year, have seen a marked increase in participation, with entries spanning many regions and diverse areas within the country's technology sector.

The Chair of the Hi-Tech Trust, Marian Johnson, commented on the breadth of the field this year. "It's awesome to have received a huge number of entries this year as we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Awards. We have come so far as a sector in that time and the growth in the Hi-Tech Awards truly reflects how far the industry has come. Entries have come from right across the country and cover so many diverse technologies," said Johnson.

Johnson also highlighted the evolving nature of the sector, noting the impact of greater inclusion across the industry. "We applaud the ever-increasing diversity of the sector", she said.

This year's finalists include established firms and emerging companies from a wide array of specialisations, such as software, manufacturing, creative technology, agritech, and solutions for public good. Categories include Company of the Year, Emerging Company of the Year, Start-Up Company of the Year, and more, reflecting the complexity and richness of New Zealand's technology scene.

Among the finalists for the PwC Hi-Tech Company of the Year are Crimson Education, Kami, Link Engine Management, SYOS Aerospace, and Tait Communications. The ASX Hi-Tech Emerging Company of the Year shortlist features Calocurb, Ideally, Projectworks, and RoofBuddy, while Mindhive Global, Toku Eyes, and VXT are in contention for the Punakaiki Fund Hi-Tech Start-Up Company of the Year honour.

The judges, consisting of both local and international experts, have noted that the quality of this year's entries continues to rise, predicting that the ensuing round of decisions will be particularly demanding. "The hi-tech sector is valued at over USD $17 billion and growing, it's inspiring to see the success that so many of our companies enjoy on the international stage. This sector continues to prove its resilience and is at the forefront of our export economy and which we look forward celebrating at the Gala Dinner in May," said Johnson.

This year's categories also include recognition for individual contributions, with nominees for Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual of the Year including Denise Carter-Bennett, Jenny Rudd, Lee Timutimu, and Nicola Taylor. The awards encompass the Māori technology sector as well, with Deep Dive Division, Kiwa Digital, and Pursuit named as potential winners of the Poutama Trust Hi-Tech Kamupene Māori o te Tau – Māori Company of the Year.

Companies working on software innovation are also acknowledged, with Atomic.io, Carepatron, Griefity, Ideally, and Toku Eyes among those shortlisted for Most Innovative Hi-Tech Software Solution.

Initiatives with a focus on sustainability have their own distinction, as CarbonCrop, Cleanery, Neocrete, PolyNatural, and Zincovery are in the running for Kiwibank Most Innovative Hi-Tech Solution For a More Sustainable Future.

The manufacturing sector is also well represented, with BlueLab, Fisher & Paykel Technologies, Medella Health, Mindhive Global, and The Village Goldsmith considered for Braemac Most Innovative Hi-Tech Manufacturer of the Year.

Recognition for best contribution to the New Zealand technology sector sees Consult Recruitment, Ministry of Awesome, Mission Ready HQ, Take2 Talent, RISE, and University of Auckland Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on the shortlist.

Gallagher Animal Management, Hot Lime Labs, Mindhive Global, and Scentian Bio are among those acknowledged in the most innovative agritech solution category, while the Most Innovative Deep Tech Solution features Kitea Health, Scentian Bio, Toku Eyes, and Zincovery.

Creative technology solutions are also highlighted with companies like AdInstruments, Contented, Narrative, and The Village Goldsmith in the running for the NZX Most Innovative Hi-Tech Creative Technology Solution.

Spark Best Hi-Tech Solution for the Public Good includes finalists Elli Cares, Hapai Transfer Systems, and Optimation Group.

The 30th Hi-Tech Awards Gala Dinner is scheduled to be held at the TSB Arena in Wellington, where over a thousand attendees are expected to celebrate the achievements and advancements in New Zealand's hi-tech sector.