Taranaki innovators selected by Google for AI accelerator [NZ]Friday 9 Oct 2026
800 Trust have developed the acoustic monitoring system Hark, and Wildlife.ai are the creators of open-source camera monitoring system Wildlife Watcher. The selection provides international recognition for their use of combining AI with technology, and conservation expertise to make biodiversity monitoring faster, more accessible and more effective. The two organisations have just returned from a boot camp in Singapore, launching an intensive three-month programme where they will receive access to Google’s technical expertise, mentorship and resources to develop and scale AI-powered solutions for environmental challenges. Miranda Wells from 800 Trust said that the accelerator programme gives their organisation a critical boost to accelerate technology developed in Taranaki, with potential to increase its impact on biodiversity restoration globally. “AI has enormous potential to make wildlife monitoring faster and more affordable, making the important work of conservation groups that much more impactful.” “Working with Google DeepMind provides an exciting opportunity to push that technology further and explore applications that could benefit conservation projects both here in Taranaki and around the world.” Hark, developed by 800 Trust, uses AI-powered acoustic sensors to “listen” to the ngahere. Installed in remote forests, the devices record and analyse bird calls, detect pest species, and track ecosystem changes over time. Wildlife Watcher, developed by Wildlife.ai, is developing an AI-powered camera to identify and count smaller mammals, reptiles, and amphibians which are typically harder to monitor using traditional methods. For Victor Anton from Wildlife.ai, the selection of both organisations is a reflection of the broader innovation and commitment of the Taranaki conservation sector. “To have two Taranaki organisations included in a cohort of only sixteen from around the world shows just how advanced our region is when it comes to conservation. When it comes to restoring our natural environment, the world truly is watching Taranaki.” Both organisations are part of the Wild for Taranaki network, which connects conservation organisations across the region to share expertise, build partnerships and strengthen biodiversity outcomes. Their selection comes as Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and Wild for Taranaki are working together on a new initiative exploring how Taranaki’s biodiversity strengths could create wider environmental, social and economic value for the region. Supported by Toi Foundation, the project is exploring opportunities including nature-positive investment, , ecotourism, and conservation technology education , with the aim of strengthening the long-term sustainability and impact of biodiversity restoration work across Taranaki. Thom Adams, Biodiversity Innovation Lead at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki says that to have two Taranaki organisations recognised through an international programme of this calibre is significant. “It demonstrates that some of the solutions being developed here to address very local conservation challenges have much wider potential. “As a region, we have an opportunity to build on the incredible biodiversity restoration work already happening across Taranaki by connecting it with technology, research, new partnerships and investment. That can strengthen conservation outcomes here while also creating expertise and solutions that have relevance well beyond our region.” More >> Source & image credit: Venture Taranaki | ||
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