When the lights finally dimmed at GRIDAKL Innovation Precinct in Auckland on 31st January 2026, what stayed bright wasn’t just the glow of laptop screens after a 24-hour sprint of ideation, prototyping, and pitching — it was the unmistakable spark of Kiwi innovation. This year’s Act in Space New Zealand challenge brought together thinkers and makers from across the motu — developers, students, engineers, creatives, and entrepreneurs — united by a bold mission: apply space technologies and data to solve real-world problems here on Earth.
As a judge on this year’s panel, I had the privilege of watching teams push boundaries, cross disciplines, and bring truly original solutions to the table. With expert mentorship, high-energy collaboration, and a deadline that encouraged rapid iteration, the event delivered an atmosphere that was intense, fun, and deeply impactful.
Spectral Defence: A New Global Kiwi Ambassador
From eight competing teams and 34 passionate participants, Spectral Defence emerged as the national winner. Their concept impressed us not just for its technical ingenuity, but also for its clarity of purpose and real-world relevance in areas like sustainability, infrastructure resilience, and data-driven analysis. They now head to the international Act in Space finals in Bordeaux, France, competing alongside national champions from more than 30 countries.
The 24-hour format is more than a hackathon — it’s a pressure-tested environment that simulates real innovation ecosystems. Rapid feedback loops, applied learning, and cross-functional teamwork help participants sharpen their thinking and discover new ways to leverage space technologies for impact.
Why Events Like Act in Space Matter for New Zealand
International innovation challenges aren’t just competitions; they are catalysts for national capability building. Here’s why they matter for Aotearoa:
- Global Networks, Local Impact: Act in Space connects Kiwi teams to mentors, experts, and innovators from ESA, CNES, and global startup ecosystems — opening doors to international collaboration and markets.
- Real-World Applications of Space Tech: Space data is increasingly central to Earth-based challenges — climate adaptation, agriculture, hazard response, energy systems, and transportation. Events like this show how space innovation becomes everyday innovation.
- Ecosystem Growth & Talent Development: These events help grow New Zealand’s digital and space ecosystem, inspiring students, professionals, and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
- Entrepreneurial Pathways: Many past Act in Space participants worldwide have gone on to secure funding, enter incubation programmes, and launch impactful startups.
A Call to All New Zealanders
Here’s my invitation to you: be part of this movement. Whether you’re a student seeking a place to apply your creativity, a professional wanting to stretch your skills, or an entrepreneur looking for your next breakthrough — Act in Space is an opportunity worth seizing.
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist. You only need curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to solve real problems with bold ideas.
When the next Act in Space challenge arrives, bring your team, your passion, and your biggest thinking. Innovation needs risk-takers — and Kiwis have always risen to that challenge.
And as Spectral Defence carries the Aotearoa flag to Bordeaux, let’s rally behind them. Their journey is just beginning — and so is New Zealand’s next chapter on the global innovation stage.