
Bringing the Cleantech innovation ecosystem together to build our new economy. Hosted by – Ngā Ara Whetū Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society at the University of Auckland, in partnership with UniServices and the European Union.
Event details
- Blue & Green Technology Conference
- Dates: 2-3 December 2025
- Venue: Sir Owen Glen G Building, University of Auckland, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland
- Early Bird Registration Closes: 6 November 2025
Who is this event for and what key challenges will you be addressing?
The Blue & Green Technology Conference brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and decision-makers who are driving progress at the intersection of technology and sustainability. Whether you’re from government, academia, Startups or industry, this event offers a front-row seat to the latest breakthroughs in cleantech and environmental innovation. Join us as we tackle the pressing global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the transition to a low-carbon economy — and explore how cross-sector collaboration is unlocking powerful solutions for a sustainable future.
Key event highlights
The programme features an exciting lineup of high-profile speakers, thought-provoking panels, and opportunities to connect directly with leading innovators. Keynote highlights include the EU Ambassador to New Zealand, Dr Sean Simpson (Co-founder of LanzaTech), and Lucy Chatburn from the UK Clean Tech Group.
Beyond the main sessions, the Expo Showcase will bring together a dynamic mix of cleantech start-ups and scale-ups, offering a chance to explore emerging solutions firsthand and meet the entrepreneurs driving change.
Full programme details are available at: https://www.blueandgreentech.auckland.ac.nz/program/
What excites you about the work in the Cleantech area?
Cleantech is one of the most dynamic and fast-moving areas of innovation today. What excites us most is its ability to deliver solutions that are both environmentally and economically transformative. It’s inspiring to see entrepreneurs and researchers working side by side to reimagine how we generate energy, reduce waste, and build circular economies. There’s a real sense of momentum, with new ideas being tested, scaled, and deployed faster than ever before.
What highlights and impact are we seeing for Cleantech?
The sector’s impact is increasingly visible. According to the 2025 TIN Investment Report, cleantech is now the fastest-growing sector for capital raising in New Zealand, signalling strong investor confidence. New Zealand-connected companies such as LanzaTech, Neocrete, CarbonScape and Mint Innovation have gone global, proving that breakthrough science and engineering can become commercially viable businesses with worldwide impact. At the same time, a wave of start-ups and scale-ups are tackling challenges in renewable energy, sustainable materials, and environmental management. Together, these developments show how cleantech is not only addressing urgent environmental issues but also fuelling economic growth and building resilient, future-focused industries.
What message or offer would you like to share with the NZ Entrepreneur community?
Our message to the entrepreneurial community is clear: innovation creates the greatest impact when it’s deeply connected to the industries and communities it serves. That’s why we’re excited to host a free public expo on Day 1 of the conference—an open invitation for everyone to experience the latest in cleantech innovation firsthand.
For entrepreneurs, it’s a unique opportunity to showcase ideas, build partnerships, and engage with a growing ecosystem of changemakers. The strength of New Zealand’s start-up and scale-up community in cleantech, environmental solutions, and energy innovation proves that economic growth can go hand-in-hand with solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.