A national event designed to celebrate technology in New Zealand, Techweek '18 is set to run from this Saturday until May 27.
It will feature more than 40 events across the city, providing the public with opportunities to discover new technologies, meet innovators and get connected.
Dunedin's rapidly growing technology and innovation sector is becoming increasingly important to the city's economy, generating about $330 million for the city and creating 2000 jobs.
A keynote speaker for Dunedin Techweek '18 will be smart cities expert Heikki Ruohomaa, of the Hame University of Applied Sciences in Finland. He is being brought to Dunedin with the assistance of GigCity Dunedin funding.
Digital Community Trust chairman John Gallaher said Mr Ruohomaa would have valuable insights to share about smart city concepts.
"As New Zealand's first GigCity, Dunedin has the infrastructure, the people and the vision to become a leading smart city of the future, but we need to understand the best ways to get there,'' Mr Gallaher said.
"Learning from experts in this field is a key part of that journey.''
Dunedin Techweek ambassador and Signal ICT Graduate School operations and engagement co-ordinator Kylie Jackson said the smart city concept aligned perfectly with Techweek's theme of "Innovation that's good for the world''.
"Dunedin is in a great position to become a smart city ... [which] could greatly enhance the lives of the city's residents.''
Mrs Jackson said among the many topics to feature during the festival would be the importance of encouraging girls and women to engage with technology.
Events would include the Launch software development event for girls on May 25.
"We have had a great response to this event, which is a fantastic concept that helps to encourage girls to engage with science and technology,'' she said.
Another highlight of Techweek will be the giant Texpo event, a cross-campus showcase of tech research, products and industries in Dunedin.
Texpo
Saturday, May 26, 11am-3pm
University of Otago Business School and Otago Polytechnic Hub
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
