
Hear from Chris Allington, CEO of Inition and winner of the Hnry Innovation Leadership Award 2026, about how a Christchurch innovation engineering company has turned innovation into commercial success and changed the industries of some of the largest companies in the world along the way.
Through creating opportunities, attracting investment and developing strategic partnerships, Inition has unlocked new markets.
The team from Davies Collison Cave will then lead a founder-focused session on creating, protecting and growing valuable intellectual property. Whether you're building a startup, scaling a tech venture, or positioning your company for acquisition, join us for a high-impact presentation on turning great ideas into scalable commercial opportunities.

Chris is a thoughtful engineer, entrepreneur and passionate advocate for smart IP strategy who believes in combining sharp business thinking with strong engineering to create lasting commercial value. Earlier this year, he was recognised with the Innovation Leadership Award at the New Zealand Leadership Awards for his contribution to engineering-led innovation and business growth.

Jillian is a Patent Attorney at Davies Collison Cave, specialising in patent procurement and IP portfolio strategy. She advises on patentability, commercialisation, infringement and validity across a range of technologies, including medical devices, mechanical engineering, construction and renewable energy. Her clients include startups, universities, and established industry leaders. Jillian is committed to delivering clear, pragmatic advice tailored to each client's commercial objectives, without unnecessary legal complexity. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) and a Master of Engineering from the University of Auckland.

10 Madden Street
Wynyard Quarter
Auckland Central 1010
A contemporary venue with a striking exterior, The Annex provides a light-filled space with a large outdoor area to extend the scope of your event. This blank canvas has state-of-the-art AV facilities and is a timeless space for product launches, fashion shows, strategy sessions and workshops. The venue is in Auckland's waterfront neighbourhood, just a stone's throw from the motorway and city centre.