From companies pioneering rapid, on-site water testing for E. coli to those turning mushrooms into protective packaging, the first national Cleantech Expo on 22 April 2026 will bring together 30 New Zealand cleantech innovators in central Auckland. Many have products, services and solutions ready to use now and the potential to grow.
Cleantech – or clean technology – is a process, product or service that aims to improve environmental sustainability. As well as solving real-world problems, cleantech is now the fastest-growing tech investment area in New Zealand. It’s rapidly shifting from an emerging interest to a central focus.
The TIN Technology Investment Report 2025 revealed cleantech was the top secondary market sector in 2024. It attracted $139 million of investment, or 23 per cent of all tech capital raised in New Zealand.
The Cleantech Expo is organised by Auckland Council’s Economic Development Office and will be hosted by Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and supported by the New Zealand Cleantech Mission.
The expo is free to attend and will also launch the New Zealand Cleantech Impact Report 2026, an update of the 2024 report published by the New Zealand Cleantech Mission that profiles the cleantech sector in Aotearoa.
Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown says the Cleantech Expo reinforces Auckland’s place as a centre of technology and innovation and why it will be the global tech hub of New Zealand.
“Auckland is the powerhouse of the New Zealand economy and Technology and Innovation is one of the keys to unlocking Auckland’s growth potential.
“Hosting this expo in Auckland is another example of what we can achieve when there’s a cohesive approach to drive the tech sector and support innovators to succeed.
“There’s a lot of work happening in this space. I established a Mayoral-led Auckland Technology and Innovation Alliance to grow our innovation industries and have successfully advocated for the NZ Institute for Advanced Technology to be based in Auckland.
“Uniting our tech sector and building for tomorrow’s ideas will open our national economy to a substantial amount of capital.”
Pam Ford, General Manager of Auckland Council’s Economic Development Office, says the time is right to shine a spotlight on cleantech, with Auckland playing a key role in New Zealand’s tech and innovation landscape.
“We’re looking forward to bringing together a vibrant community of New Zealand innovators in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for the first time to showcase breakthrough solutions in circular economy, energy, waste-to-value, and low-emission alternatives. The Cleantech Expo brings together problem-solving innovations, offering future-fit procurement and investment opportunities,” Ford says.
New Zealand’s cleantech sector is now made up of more than 100 companies. Between 2022 and 2024, the sector generated just under $300 million in revenue. It is a fast-growing ecosystem of researchers and entrepreneurs, with more than 1000 people employed in the sector. New Zealand companies are showing themselves to be global problem-solvers working at the frontier of advanced sustainable technologies.
The Cleantech Expo is designed for industry adopters, investors and procurement teams keen to explore cleantech opportunities and practical, scalable technologies to tackle challenges. Science and engineering students are also invited to meet exhibitors and discover the wide range of career pathways available in this rapidly expanding field.
Alongside Bactosure and Mushroom Material, businesses showcasing their innovative solutions at the Cleantech Expo on 22 April include:
Alimentary Systems gives councils a practical alternative to keep sewage out of oceans and organic waste out of landfills. Alimentary Systems turns waste into energy and green fertiliser while meeting Taumata Arowai standards, lowering costs and fulfilling Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. Alimentary Systems offers AI-modelled return-on-investment data, so councils can assess the business case before they commit.
EDL solves complex environmental and hazardous waste challenges through its patented mechanochemistry technology. Originally developed in New Zealand for pesticide-impacted soils, the technology has evolved into a scalable solution for destroying persistent contaminants and processing difficult waste materials. Working with industry and government partners globally, EDL delivers innovative solutions for hazardous material treatment while creating opportunities to recover value from problematic waste streams.
UsedFULLY turns textile waste into high-performance industrial additives through breakthrough clean technology. The business radically reduces carbon emissions and waste by displacing high-carbon virgin materials with low-carbon recycled additives that do the job better. The business helps infrastructure and construction customers meet decarbonisation and performance requirements and addresses two critical global challenges: managing the immense supply of textile waste and the need to rapidly decarbonise industries.
Cleantech Expo is free to attend, see more on OurAuckland.