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Auckland-based Autogrow has created a talking automated growing system through the virtual assistant capabilities of Amazon Alexa, backed up by the provider’s IntelliGrow application programming interface (API).

Headquartered in Mairangi Bay, Autogrow provides intelligent hardware, software and data solutions for single compartment environments through to large-scale fully-automated greenhouses.

According to the provider, the technology ranks as a “first ever” in terms of a talking automated growing system.

Source: Reseller.co.nz

A group of four undergraduate business students from The Ohio State University have interviewed and analysed dozens of American and New Zealand firms who have expanded operations into both countries. With the objective of enabling Kiwi and American companies to better navigate the challenges of multinational expansion, the students released a detailed report with the guidance of AmCham NZ.

This report aims to identify and explore the prominent challenges and opportunities of expanding operations and conducting business in the US and NZ. The findings address obstacles that may arise when developing a multinational venture and provide a comprehensive picture of both business landscapes and distinguish potential for growth in each country.

Download the New Zealand Global Project 2018: Business Relations NZ & US report here.

Kiwi wine maturation startup Wine Grenade has appointed an exclusive North American distributor and established a new executive role in the USA as the company ramps up production of its micro-ox and data solution.

The distribution deal with Enartis USA gives Wine Grenade immediate access to a sales network selling a complementary portfolio of winemaking products, analytical services and winery technology throughout North America.

Wine Grenade’s vision is to provide winemakers with the insights they need to consistently make great wine, year after year.

Source: bizEDGE NZ

Winery control technology originating from VinWizard in New Zealand is currently installed at 160 wineries worldwide. It has now been recognised by industry leaders in the United States of America for innovation at the prestigious Innovation + Quality Napa Valley forum.

The INNOVATION + QUALITY event is an annual forum for ultra-premium wineries focused on cutting-edge innovations that advance wine quality. Each year products are hand selected by the INNOVATION + QUALITY Advisory Board and Wine Business Monthly team solely on criteria of innovation that lends itself to high-quality, ultra-premium winemaking. This year VinWizard Managing Director David Gill received the INNOVATION + QUALITY 2018 award for the company’s Multi-Level-Probe with American distribution partner Tom Beard Company in attendance.

Source: Scoop

Scott Technology has entered a conditional agreement to buy Transbotics, a US-based automated guided vehicle manufacturer. No price was disclosed.

The deal will add 30 staff to the 700 it has globally. The effective completion date is expected to be June 1. The deal is subject to conditions, including Transbotics shareholder approval.

Source: Scoop

Longroad Energy, a renewable energy project developer jointly owned by Infratil and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, has funding in place to build a US$300 million wind project in Texas and is evaluating the long-term ownership options of the project.

Earlier last week Boston-based Longroad said it had closed financing for the 237.6 megawatt Rio Bravo wind farm project in Starr County, Texas. Longroad, which is 45 percent owned by Infratil, 45 percent owned by the New Zealand Superannuation Fund and 10 percent owned by management, is investing approximately US$100 million as sponsor and a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy is providing the balance of the permanent financing.

Source: Scoop

ArcActive from New Zealand and East Penn Manufacturing Co. from the United States have signed a commercial arrangement covering the further development of ArcActive’s extremely innovative carbon fibre electrode technology for lead batteries.

Stuart McKenzie, managing director of ArcActive, says the deal involves supplying carbon fibre products to East Penn Manufacturing (EPM) so it can manufacture lead batteries that include ArcActive’s electrodes.

Source: ArcActive

Cigna Corp, the New York Stock Exchange-listed health services company, has agreed to acquire ANZ Bank New Zealand's OnePath Life NZ business for $700 million.

The firm has been an insurance partner to ANZ NZ for 20 years and under the deal announced today it will continue to sell insurance products to ANZ bank customers under a 20-year strategic alliance, it said in a statement.

Source:  Scoop

What began as a hobby has transformed into a successful career. "The next step for us is international expansion" said Jordan Rondel, aka The Caker, adding "we're focusing on California specifically".

The New Zealander is planning to take to the U.S.A. her line of baking kits and potentially some fresh cakes in the next five years.

Source: NZ Herald

Aquafortus Technologies has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Texas-based PetroH20 Recovery. The deal, valued at USD $40 million for the initial three years and over USD $25 million yearly beyond, is to deploy Aquafortus’ patented zero liquid discharge technology in the U.S. oil & gas market.

Aquafortus specialises in taking wastewater with high levels of salinity and through its patented zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technology separating the brines into dry mineral salts and clean water.

Source: Scoop