In December, the University of Auckland Blue and Green Technology Conference will explore new tools to help tackle environmental problems.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2022 event, the second edition of Blue & Green returns to Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland in 2025—bringing together leaders from government, industry and academia to explore how blue & green technologies can help tackle the global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and social resilience.
Hosted by Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society, this international cleantech and innovation conference is a platform for bold ideas, cross-sector collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions. With strong support and collaboration from the European Union, the event strengthens ties between Aotearoa New Zealand and Europe as we accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
Set in one of the most innovative and diverse cities in the Pacific, Blue and Green 2025 offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn and lead.
Keynote speakers include:
- Lucy Chatburn, a principal consultant at Cleantech Group in the United Kingdom, where she leads the innovation ecosystem advisory practice.
- University of Canterbury Professor Aaron Marshall, who is chief science officer at Ternary Kinetics, a deep-tech startup developing a new class of liquid-phase hydrogen carriers for heavy transport. He is also the co-founder of Zincovery, which is commercialising low-emission zinc recycling.
- Dr Sean Simpson, a New Zealand technology entrepreneur and biochemical engineer. Simpson co-founded LanzaTech, which has developed a gas-fermentation platform that converts industrial waste gases into fuels, chemicals, and materials. In 2020, the company created LanzaJet to focus on sustainable aviation fuel and diesel production. He is a key part of the Ternary Kinetics leadership team.
- Angus Blair, a partner at Outset Ventures, a New Zealand deep technology fund and incubator.
- University of Auckland Associate Professor in Māori Studies Dan Hikuroa, who is UNESCO New Zealand Commissioner for Culture and an expert on weaving indigenous knowledge and science.
- E-Lyn Tan, a principal analyst in New Zealand Treasury’s Green Bond Team.
- Dr Florian Graichen, general manager of biomanufacturing and biotechnology at New Zealand’s Bioeconomy Science Institute, which is driving the transition to a climate-resilient bioeconomy.
- University of Auckland Professor of Computer Science Gillian Dobbie, who has extensive experience in technology for environmental science, horticulture and health.
- Holly Beals, a programme director of Creative HQ’s Aurora Climate Lab, which offers a 12-week programme to help climate tech startups strengthen their purpose and commercial potential.
- Director of FOMA Innovation at the Cawthron Institute Heni Unwin, whose research focuses on aquaculture technologies, ecotoxicology and climate change.
- Jessica Venning-Bryan, co-founder of Factor, a climate-tech company building digital infrastructure for the new energy economy.
- University of Auckland Senior Lecturer in Engineering Science Dr John O’Sullivan, who is co-director of the Geothermal Institute.
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