Hon Paul Goldsmith
Minister of Science and Innovation
11 September 2017
New Callaghan Innovation Board appointments
Two new appointments have been made to the Board of Callaghan Innovation that will provide a new set of skills and
business experience, Science and Innovation Minister Paul Goldsmith announced today.
“The appointment of Mr Stefan Korn and Mr George Gong brings a strong combination of strategic thinking skills and
perspective from an investor community,” Mr Goldsmith says.
Stefan Korn is an experienced entrepreneur, business strategist and investor with over 10 years of experience in
managing high growth ventures, early stage investment and software development. He was a member of the Callaghan
Innovation Stakeholder Advisory Group, is a founding investor in Lightning Lab, and has a PhD in Neural
Networks/Artificial Intelligence and an MBA in International Business.
George Gong is an entrepreneur and Angel Investor with rich international business experiences in the Information
Technology industry for over twenty years. In 2016 he started Zino Ventures, the first Chinese angel fund in New
Zealand.
“Mr Korn has extensive business connections and a strong understanding of Callaghan Innovation’s role in the innovation
system. He currently runs CreativeHQ, a leading business incubator that works with over 190 start-up ventures so brings
excellent understanding of innovation,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“Mr Gong maintains deep roots in China, where he began his career, and notably co-founded Beyondsoft. With his extensive
experience with start-ups, investment, business mentoring, he will be an asset to Callaghan.”
Both of the appointments are for a term of one year.
ENDS