AI Activator to support businesses to adopt transformative tech

An innovative new initiative has been launched to support Kiwi businesses boost productivity and competitiveness through the power of artificial intelligence.

The AI Activator is a collaboration between Callaghan Innovation, NZTE and NIWA and is based on the ‘activator’ model developed by Callaghan Innovation for ecosystem-wide support, which has already proved successful in supporting the needs of early-stage companies.

“The new AI Activator initiative provides access to AI expertise, R&D resources, AI tools for businesses and interactive learning modules. We are keen to work with businesses who want to know the basics and understand opportunities and risk mitigations for AI-solutions. There is something for everyone,” says Sarah Sun, Callaghan Innovation Head of AI & Digital.

Science Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins launched the AI Activator at the Aotearoa AI Summit on September 11 in Auckland. 

“Globally, there are significant and growing opportunities to harness the power of AI," says Sun. "There is a growing gap between those who understand and use AI, and those who don’t. Some businesses find it hard to know where and how to start – that's where the AI Activator comes in.” 

Judith Collins also announced GovGPT, a new proof of concept product that is part of the AI Activator, at the AI Summit. GovGPT is an AI conversational companion to help businesses get the information they need from Government websites, faster. GovGPT makes information available from a range of business-related Government websites through a simple, chat-like interface. Callaghan Innovation is planning on making the GovGPT available on its website from October. 

Collins said, “We are delighted to be working with our partners at NZTE and NIWA to help more ambitious businesses integrate AI and expand their growth horizons."

Sun added, “The AI Activator is here to support the success of all growth-focused Kiwi businesses, wherever they are on their AI journey. It’s an exciting time to be in business, and we are looking forward to helping support the success of more Kiwi AI innovators.”

Find out more about AI Activator.