Vodafone's tech incubator programme ready to help New Zealand start-ups go global

Vodafone's tech incubator programme is returning for its third year with the aim of helping tech start-ups achieve global success.

Vodafone xone is a start-up accelerator and innovation lab which partners with early and late stage start-ups, which have ground-breaking technology ideas.

Eight start-ups will receive a total package valued at more than $150,000, including seed-funding, and access to world-class technology and mentoring as part of a six-month programme.

Head of Xone and Innovation Manager Lauren Merritt says this year the emphasis is on working with New Zealand start-ups focused on the AI, IoT (Internet of Things) and data analytics sectors.

"We are keen to see applications from across the country, and eager to also see ideas that can be harnessed to drive social change," Ms Merritt said.

"We will be getting hands-on with the companies selected, ensuring their business mentors help take their ideas to the next level.

"We want ideas that will make a massive impact on New Zealand, and we will help those start-ups go global, by leveraging our international networks."

Since it started two years ago, Vodafone xone's start-ups generated more than $11.5 million in new revenue, attracted more than $9.6 million in capital funding, and created 46 new jobs.

One of last year's biggest successes was Parkable, an app that aims to change the way people park, through a system of shareable parking utilising unused space from driveways to company carparks.

• Vodafone xone is now open for applications until April 15.