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TechShop is said to be changing the world one invention at a time

Could Lower Hutt be home to NZ’s first TechShop?

Hutt City Council is about to begin an assessment into the viability of bringing a TechShop to Lower Hutt to benefit the region.

TechShop was founded in the US and is an open access hub for creativity; bringing together the hardware, software and people anyone might need to turn an idea or invention into reality.

A membership to TechShop typically provides access to more than $1 million worth of professional equipment and software with expert staff on hand to help people create in a safe and collaborative environment.

Council’s Strategic Services General Manager Kim Kelly says the idea Lower Hutt could be home to New Zealand’s first TechShop is an exciting one for the region and builds on Council’s commitment to foster economic growth in science and technology by supporting innovation and creativity.

“Lower Hutt has a proud creative and manufacturing history and Council is evaluating whether bringing a TechShop to the region could be viable to support not only our local makers but anyone regionally, even nationally, who has a bright idea they want to make happen.

“Council also wants to explore TechShop as a way to provide a focal point for new product creation and collaboration among research and tertiary institutes and established business.

“TechShop works in a similar way to a gym membership but instead of access to fitness equipment and personal trainers, members get everything they need to turn a sketch, a dream, a model, into something real.

“It is early days though and sensibly a thorough market assessment is being undertaken before decisions are made. Part of that process means inviting anyone interested in the TechShop concept to one of two information events next month to find out more.

“CEO of TechShop Global Paul Duggan will present at the events and it will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and find out more about how TechShop could work for them. We want to know what people think.”

Registrations are open now to attend at www.huttcity.govt.nz/TechShop:

• Tuesday 8 March, 5.30pmat 125 High Street, Lower Hutt or,

• Wednesday 9 March, 5.30pmat Mac’s Function Centre, Te Aro Room, 4 Taranaki Street, Wellington

Tags: innovation, lower hutt, technology