Join us for BA5 on Thursday 27 August, co-hosted by Otago Polytechnic and The Innovation Activator. Enjoy a relaxed evening of networking with fellow business professionals over drinks and nibbles while exploring the opportunities AI and innovation are creating for organisations across Otago.

Otago Polytechnic is a leader in delivering outstanding, career-focused tertiary education. Providing learners with the right support to ensure their success is reflected in consistently strong national rankings in student achievement and satisfaction results. Employers love their graduates because they are work-ready, capable and confident. They have almost 800 employees and more than 6,400 students across their Dunedin, Central Otago, and distance campuses. The polytechnic is exploring how AI can enhance teaching, learning, student support and organisational effectiveness while building capability and managing risk appropriately.

The Innovation Activator helps ambitious businesses turn AI and innovation into practical commercial results. As a Business South Accredited Service Partner for AI, the team works alongside businesses across Ōtepoti Dunedin and Otago to identify high-value opportunities, lift productivity, build capability and create new pathways for growth. From taking the first confident steps with AI through to R&D, commercialisation and business model innovation, its practical, proven approach helps local leaders move from ideas to action, and from action to lasting impact. The Innovation Activator is an offshoot venture of Callaghan Innovation, founded by former employees with deep innovation expertise and decades of experience working with purpose-led businesses.

If you or a guest would like to attend the BA5 and are not a member of Business South please contact John Cooper john.cooper@business-south.org.nz