Christchurch businesses named 'best of the best' and set to receive funding boost

Christchurch’s innovation ecosystem is set to grow further with a funding injection for two businesses via the Callaghan Innovation Ārohia Trailblazer grant.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Judith Collins announced the Callaghan Innovation Ārohia Trailblazer Grant recipients at the New Zealand Aerospace Summit in Christchurch. The seven recipients have a total of $17.5m in co-funding available to support their ‘get to market’ growth journey.

Christchurch businesses Fabrum Solutions and Zincovery were both recognised as ‘best of the best’ in their sector in the grant which seeks to support businesses that benefit the innovation ecosystem and have global potential.

Martin Cudd GM of Innovation and Business Growth at ChristchurchNZ said the growth and global demand for clean-tech solutions is increasing the pace of innovation in the sector.

More about Fabrum and Zincovery

Fabrum Solutions has a clear vision — to precision-engineer better outcomes through technological excellence, whilst leaving the lightest footprint possible and providing a pathway for future generations of engineers to continue that mission. The company has developed a very desirable library of patents and trade secrets, including cryocoolers, refuelling technologies, liquefiers and storage systems for hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and LNG. Fabrum operates around the globe with 80% of its product made in Christchurch and exported globally.

"Being a recipient of an Ārohia Trailblazer Grant will enable Fabrum to set up a hydrogen testing and excellence centre in Christchurch. This will further extend the regions innovation ecosystem and enable us to commercialise our patented boil off gas management technology and composite liquid hydrogen storage systems. Both of these products are critical solutions for a clean energy future," says Christopher Boyle, Fabrum Executive Chairman.

The other recipient, Zincovery, has a mission to decarbonize zinc recycling - the steel recycling industry generates waste dust containing $10B USD worth of zinc every year. Currently, this dust can only be recycled through a coal reliant and expensive process, with double the CO2 footprint of mined zinc. To solve this, Zincovery is commercialising their innovative zinc recycling technology that avoids the use of fossil fuels, reducing emissions by up to 95% and processing costs by 45%.

“Christchurch is a great location for Zincovery to develop our technology, thanks to the world class engineering department at the University of Canterbury, thriving technology sector and the attractive lifestyle Christchurch has to offer.

“Receiving the Callaghan Innovation Ārohia Trailblazer Grant accelerates our development, allowing us to invest in New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem by hiring skilled people and partnering with other innovative kiwi companies.” Says Jonathan Ring, Zincovery CEO.

Congratulations to Fabrum, Zincovery and all the Ārohia Trailblazer Grant recipients.