Positioning Franklin for the future

Coming together for the future
Heke mai - hui a tatou

Collaboration and partnership enhances the implementation of innovative ideas and solutions.

Since 2021, we've been creating opportunities for people, businesses and young people to connect, learn, innovate and turn ideas into action.

Through initiatives such as our Youth and Adult Shark Tanks, Business Innovation Series, Counties Energy Innovation Fund and Mobile Innovation Lab, we're bringing innovation into schools, businesses and communities across Franklin — while working alongside the people and organisations who want to see our region thrive.

Because creating a more innovative Franklin isn't something one organisation can do alone. It takes businesses, schools, iwi, government, community and individuals coming together, sharing ideas and creating opportunities.

And this is just the beginning.

Our long-term vision is to see an Innovation Precinct established in Franklin — a place where education, business, technology and ideas can come together, creating a home for collaboration, learning and innovation.

Innovation Franklin is a registered charity (Charity Number: CC60469) committed to positioning New Zealand for the future.



The essence
Kaupapa

Franklin has a strong and distinctive identity, built through its people, businesses, industries and communities. We value that history and the strengths that have shaped the region, while also looking ahead to the opportunities that will shape its future.

As Franklin continues to grow and change, new ideas, technologies, businesses and industries are becoming an increasingly important part of our region.

Innovation Franklin is here to support all businesses, communities and people who want to explore what's possible and contribute to Franklin's future.

Back in 2012 New Zealand was ranked the 13th most innovative economy in the world, in the 2026 survey we rank 24th

Source Global Innovation Index 2026. WIPO.

Building Franklin's future
Hanga ake te anamata o Franklin

Creating opportunities

We create opportunities for young people, businesses and the wider community to explore innovation, develop ideas and turn possibilities into action.

Connecting people

We bring together businesses, schools, education, iwi, government and community to share ideas, build relationships and create opportunities for Franklin

Growing innovation

Through initiatives like Youth Shark Tank, Adult Shark Tank, the Business Innovation Series, Innovation Fund and Mobile Innovation Lab, we're helping make innovation more accessible across Franklin.

Building what's next

We're continuing to grow our programmes, partnerships and reach, creating more opportunities for people and businesses across Franklin to learn, connect and innovate.

Our vision for the future

Longer term, we want to see an Innovation Precinct established in Franklin — a place where people, education, business, technology and ideas can come together.

Sponsors
Kaitautoko

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Business supporters
Nga paikihi tautoko

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The board
Te poari whakahaere

Mike

Mike Marr

Chair

Entrepreneur, founder and owner of TPT Group. Mike holds a number of professional director, trustee and Board Chair roles...

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Tracey

Tracey Kay

Member

GM People, Safety and Sustainability at Counties Energy. Passionate about assisting youth through a supportive environment and creating opportunities...

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John

John Gasson

Member

Successful entrepreneur and is the Managing Director of The Surveying Company. Previous member of Entrepreneur’s Organisation....

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Brendan

Brendan Wood

Member

Brendan is a partner of Auckland law firm Daniel Overton & Goulding with a local office in Franklin. Daniel Overton & Goulding is a multi-award winning law...

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Fran Oliver

Fran Oliver

Partnerships and Engagement Manager

Fran has recently stepped into the role of Partnerships and Engagement Manager at Innovation Franklin, after...

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VR Development team

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