Climate Technologies.
Sustainable innovation creating solutions for the world's most pressing challenges.
Sector Overview
Auckland is rapidly establishing itself as New Zealand's leading hub for sustainable innovation. Home to almost half of the country's cleantech companies, Auckland has a growing cluster of businesses developing solutions across clean energy, industrial decarbonisation, sustainable materials, waste recovery and recycling.
The sector is experiencing strong growth. The New Zealand Cleantech Report 2024 identified more than 130 cleantech companies nationwide, with sector revenue increasing by 29% between 2023 and 2024. Auckland-based companies are also gaining international recognition, with three previously featured on the prestigious global Cleantech 50 to Watch list.
Auckland's cleantech success is supported by a highly connected innovation ecosystem that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, research institutions, incubators and industry partners. The region's universities and commercialisation organisations play a key role in translating world-class research into scalable environmental solutions for global markets.
Learn more about Auckland's cleantech sector
Why Auckland for Climate Technologies?
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An ecosystem that sets innovators up for success
Auckland Council partners in the climate innovation accelerator Sphere New Zealand and funds the innovation hub Climate Connect Aotearoa, both of which connect investors, innovators, government and ecosystem enablers to commercialise sustainable technologies. In 2025, the public-private Auckland Innovation and Technology Alliance formed to provide strategic leadership, improve coordination and attract investment into the region.
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Deep science, deep pockets
The University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) have world-class research and innovation arms that have played a major role in the development of many New Zealand cleantech businesses. Innovators can also access a range of public and private funding sources, including funds with a sustainability technology focus.
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A deep and adaptable talent pool
Auckland is home to a diverse, highly skilled workforce known for broad skillsets, practical problem solving and the ability to work across disciplines. This adaptability enables businesses to innovate quickly, respond to change and solve complex challenges. Auckland's lifestyle, multicultural character and easy access to nature also make it an attractive location to work and live.
Ecosystem
ORGANISATIONS
BUSINESSES
RESEARCH AND FUNDING
Success story
Mushroom Material: Growing the next generation of sustainable packaging
Mushroom Material is developing a new class of sustainable materials by combining agricultural waste with mycelium – the root structure of mushrooms – to create durable and sustainable alternatives to plastics and expanded polystyrene. The Auckland-based company uses natural biological processes to grow lightweight composite materials that can be moulded into packaging, insulation and other products traditionally made from fossil fuel-based materials.
In contrast to polystyrene packaging, which can take 500 years to break down, its packaging is 100% biodegradable and home-compostable while offering the same protective properties. What's more, Mushroom Material has developed a process for pelletising the material so it can fit existing plastic moulding machinery, enabling a seamless, affordable transition for manufacturers to a more planet-friendly alternative. It also meets a pressing need for change, with 74 countries having already implemented a ban on expanded polystyrene.
The company raised US$5 million in seed funding in 2024 from Singapore’s Wavemaker Partners and local VC Icehouse Ventures, to set up a 1,300 sqm pilot plant in Auckland’s Mount Roskill.
Founded and grown in Auckland, Mushroom Material reflects the city's strength in supporting science-based innovation and entrepreneurship. Its progress illustrates how local expertise, research capability and a collaborative business environment can help emerging cleantech companies develop solutions with relevance well beyond New Zealand.
Work with us
Meet Dr Maile Giffin, our climate tech specialist.
Focuses on the growth of Auckland’s frontier technology and cleantech sectors through targeted industry initiatives.
