Creative HQ officially launched
Prime Minister Helen Clark will be in attendance today as Positively Wellington Business celebrates the official launch
of its creative technology incubator, Creative HQ. While the incubator has been operational since late last year today’s
launch will be the official opening and a celebration of the seven fledging companies now in residence at its inner city
offices.
Creative HQ interim manager Mark Blumsky reports that they have been flooded with over 70 applicants despite little
advertising. However stiff entry criteria has meant that only those companies who can demonstrate the potential to earn
export dollars, present a unique, well researched business plan and display a commitment to growth have been accepted.
Operating under a ‘grow-and-go’ philosophy the incubator provides premises and mentoring to start up companies who are
working, or plan to work, within convergent technologies - everything from game developers to fashion designers. It is
anticipated that companies will occupy their desk for around two years before successfully integrating into the business
community.
The incubator forms an integral part of the Positively Wellington Businesses focus on creative industries and confirms a
public sector commitment to developing innovative technologically advanced companies within the region.
“Creative HQ is a celebration of the regions growing innovative technology based industries, we are delighted to be
contributing toward the creative strategy for the region ” said Positively Wellington Businesses newly appointed
Creative and Film Sector Manager Chris Lipscombe.
More information
Creative HQ is an initiative of Positively Wellington Business, formerly known as the Wellington Regional Economic
Development Agency. Creative HQ ‘s establishment was made possible due to the support of Industry New Zealand and a
number of private sector sponsors. These sponsors include AJ Park, Clemengers BBDO, Deloittes, Synergy, Massey
University, Victoria University, Morrison Kent and Whitieria Polytechnic.
Existing tenants at Creative HQ are:
Blister – established by key personnel from The Lord of the Rings, Blister has developed a new gameplay structure for
wireless devices called External Resource Gaming. Totally Digital - a leading edge web software development company,
it’s primary focus at the moment being SilverStripe – a highly intuitive website content management application. Fringe
of the Sky - intending to build a distribution business specializing in software solutions for the film industry with
Virtual Katy the first product in an intended range of products to make film making easier, more flexible and more
creative. Spikefin - Spikefin have designed a very unique web ordering and P.O.S system. The product was judged best
Business to Consumer application in the TUANZ interactive awards. Innaworks - Innaworks has developed a set of
innovative technologies in static analysis and optimisation with the potential to disrupt the landscape of embedded
software development. Blue Boar Interactive - aiming to become a world-class developer and publisher of interactive
entertainment software for a range of hardware platforms in the digital games market. Avocado Press – seeking to become
a highly successful global publisher, Avocado Press focuses on non-fiction books that make a positive contribution to
communities or not-for-profit organisations.