Impactful Innovation '25
20 October 2025
- Starting Out
- Scaling Up
- Adopt
- Ignite
Join Bridgewest Ventures at Impactful Innovation ’25 as we bring together global leaders in AI, life sciences and cleantech. Gain insights and practical lessons from speakers and firesides, and watch visionary founders pitch in the spotlight. Network with international investors and connect New Zealand deep tech with the world.
To make Impactful Innovation a gathering of global leaders, Bridgewest Ventures NZ draws on the network of Bridgewest Group, our global parent company with over 25 years of successful venture building, operating and investing. Bringing together serial entrepreneurs and industry leaders across multiple deep-tech verticals including artificial intelligence, medical technologies, clean technologies, and the life sciences.
$450
General admission
Brad Klos
Managing Parter at E-merge Capital Partners and Evolve Medtech
As an investor, executive, and inventor, Brad is at the forefront of medtech, turning cutting-edge concepts into commercial reality. With a proven track record of successful exits and multiple patents, he isn't just predicting the future of medical technology—he is actively building it.
Kendra Vant
Director at Europa Labs
A blueprint for tech leadership, Dr. Kendra Vant’s career spans from quantum labs to building world-class AI products for millions at Xero and SEEK. Now, through her consultancy, she helps founders and governments navigate the frontier of AI, ethics, and regulation with both ambition and responsibility.
Aleksander Raic
Global VP of AI at Bridgewest Group
Aleksandar Raić turns AI promise into tangible business outcomes, building systems that rewire how companies operate. With a track record at Infobip and now as Global VP of AI at Bridgewest Group, he blends deep technical excellence with visionary leadership to shape strategy across high-growth companies.
Rich Tong
Co-founder and CEO at TNE.ai
A leader across every major tech wave, Rich Tong scaled Microsoft’s enterprise revenue to $12.5 billion before co-founding venture firms with $11 billion+ AUM. From backing giants like DocuSign to now building AI platforms, he consistently applies sharp product insight to shape how billions of people live and work.
Puon Penn
Managing Director at New Energy Nexus
With decades at the forefront of climate investment, Puon Penn bridges capital with breakthrough solutions. After leading Wells Fargo's deployment of over $200B in sustainable finance, he now serves as Managing Director at New Energy Nexus, investing in clean energy founders to tackle the world’s most urgent challenges.
Richard Park
Silicon Valley Investor
A returning Kiwi with a Ph.D. in Materials Science from MIT, Richard Park has worked at the forefront of energy innovation. He brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise and commercial insight, having researched solid-state batteries and invested in hard-tech startups at firms like Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures.
Venue
Pipiri Lane
124 Halsey St, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland 1010
Pipiri Lane isn’t just a place to work or host — it’s a statement. Located in Wynyard Quarter, Auckland’s buzzing innovation hub, it’s New Zealand's first cross-laminated timber work and event space. With a 6 Star Green Star rating, Pipiri Lane is one of Auckland’s most sustainable buildings, representing a rare opportunity to align businesses with innovation, environmental responsibility and forward-thinking design.