Expansion to Foster Innovation Across Existing Businesses.
Traditionally we have been known for nurturing startups and entrepreneurship, but we are excited to announce our expansion to deliver innovation services to existing businesses and support for the wider innovation ecosystem across the Southland region.
This significant growth phase is supported by funding that was allocated in May 2023, from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) as part of the region's Just Transitions programme.
From Left Brian Bell (Senior Innovation Lead), Cathy Peters (General Manager), Saskia van der Geest (Senior Innovation Lead).
Over the last four years we have been able to support economic growth through fostering innovation across the startup ecosystem and we are now able to respond to the needs of the Southland business community as a broader Innovation hub.
To spearhead this new direction, we have recently welcomed two highly experienced Senior Innovation Leads to the team.
Brian Bell and Saskia van der Geest will work with established businesses across the region to assist them in uncovering new opportunities for growth and productivity using proven innovation tools and support.
Saskia is a New Product Development Specialist, she has worked with over 70 businesses in NZ helping them to improve their product development productivity. She’s backed by a Master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering and has worked as a speaker, trainer, coach, facilitator and mentor over the past 20 years.
Brian has 25 years of experience leading innovation and managing people, projects, and products for a wide range of industries. He has led two innovation labs to transform product concepts into commercial realities employing advanced technologies and has been involved in ten start-ups and early-stage businesses.
The expansion aims to integrate innovation into Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors, with a special focus on the Manufacturing and Engineering cluster and enabling opportunities for businesses to support new industries and technologies.
Through this expansion of services, we are aligning ourselves with the region's vision for growth, the nurturing of emerging industries, and the pursuit of a high-wage, low-emission future. Together with our regional partners and community, we are committed to building a brighter future that aligns with our shared values and priorities.
We will continue to foster startups and emerging businesses, backed by the support of strategic partners Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), Environment Southland, Community Trust South, Ngāi Tahu, the Southland Business Chamber, and various corporate partners.
These partners are committed to developing a regional innovation ecosystem and culture which uncovers, nurtures, funds and grows innovative, agile and successful businesses to accelerate Southland’s productivity growth.
Shane Evans (COIN South Board Member)
At this pivotal juncture for Southland and COIN South, the Board is also excited to welcome Shane Evans, SBS Bank Chief Transformation Officer to join the COIN South Board. COIN South Chairman Neil McAra said, “Shane brings considerable expertise in driving transformational change which will be invaluable in helping to steer COIN South in this next phase of innovation and growth.”
Want to Know More About Our Innovation Services for Existing Businesses?
Every business has their own unique innovation journey. Our objective is to enable businesses to advance and accelerate their journeys to achieve their business goals and aspirations.