Drones and robots will soon be attacking sustainability in the country’s agriculture sector thanks to a new space race.
A NZ$ 30,000 cash prize is up for grabs in a challenge that seeks the brightest minds in New Zealand.
According to a recent report, the challenge seeks participants that will harness the very latest space-based imagery, remote sensing and unmanned aircraft (UA) technology to come up with cutting edge approaches to detect or monitor water and soil pollution.
Boosting the Agricultural Sector
Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods explained that the goal of the New Zealand Aerospace Challenge 2019 is to generate ideas that will have real-world applications for the agricultural sector.
In addition, other research and development intensive industries will also gain from the outcomes of this challenge.
Nearly half of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, which is a major contributor to the country’s economy.
It is absolutely necessary that new technologies are leveraged as they search for innovative solutions to global challenges like climate change.
Up to 20 incubation participants will be chosen on 1 May 2019 for a six-month programme where they will have access to the partner company’s data and expertise.
They can utilise the company’s testing solutions and guidance. Not only that, but they will also undergo mentorship from tech and agriculture specialists.
Innovative Christchurch
Turanga, which is the brand new and high-tech post-earthquake library of Christchurch, hosted the launch of the challenge.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel described New Zealand’s Garden City as a fitting place to host the challenge as it rebuilds and transforms into a “21st century city of opportunity”.
It has exploration in its DNA, as it has links to Shackleton’s voyages into an uncharted Antarctica.
Christchurch has an emerging and world-leading high-tech sector and this event reinforces its aims to become known as a test bed for innovation.
The city wishes to be at the forefront of the space and advanced aviation sectors.
The city’s collaborative industry, strengthened by its high-tech manufacturing, agricultural sectors, and open landscapes, makes it and its surrounding region a drawcard for innovators both nationally and globally.
Innovators will want to flock to the area in order to explore what it can offer.
ChristchurchNZ , which is the city’s economic and development agency, partnered with an aeronautics and space giant company in order to make this challenge feasible.
New Zealand, according to the company’s Managing Director, has a global reputation for innovation as well as an unparalleled approach to problem solving.
The ideas that will spring forth from the challenge are definitely something that they are looking forward to. They believe these ideas can eventually help solve a global problem.
The challenge will be culminating in October, with national flight demonstrations happening in Christchurch.
