Workers in one of the GridAKL workspaces. Photo: Supplied
Auckland innovation hub GridAKL estimates it contributes $424 million a year to Auckland's economy, including nearly $170m of indirect spending.
Auckland Council's cultural and economic agency Tātaki Auckland Unlimited says the hub in Wynyard Quarter supports entrepreneurs, creators and innovators.
It says it is a cornerstone of Auckland's tech and innovation ecosystem, housing more than 900 employees in 140 businesses in two locations.
Tātaki economic development director Pam Ford said GridAKL's success over the past decade exceeded expectations over its 10-year history.
"What started as a single building has grown into an expansive innovation network that's helping to reshape Auckland's economy," Ford said.
The hub included two GridAKL buildings - split between start-ups and scaled-up businesses who collaborate on projects and ideas.
"GridAKL's scale-up hub is now a significant economic engine for the region, while its start-up hub continues to nurture the next generation of innovators."
Tātaki head of tech economy Marissa Brindley said large organisations - including Media Design School and Mott MacDonald, Google and other multi-nationals - were located within the Wynyard quarter and supported the hub.
"Looking ahead, GridAKL is evolving into a complete technology ecosystem that scales companies for global success, focusing on innovations that create positive impact while strengthening international investment pathways," she said, adding the organisation had established strategic international partnerships that promote Auckland's tech ecosystem globally.
Brindley said the goal was to see start-ups scale-up to become well established businesses with their own premises.
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