AnnuAl REPORT 10/11 - Grow Wellington

attRaCtinG and develOPinG
WORld-Class talent
Grow Wellington is an active
member of a cross-industry group
that has laid the groundwork for
the introduction of a world-class
Computer Graphics programme
at victoria university
In 2010, an industry-led group identified
the need for a Wellington based, world
class programme of research and
development in computer graphics. The
success of companies such as Weta Digital
and Sidhe had established Wellington as
a world-leader in this market. In order to
maintain and grow this position, more
highly skilled graduates and more industry
focussed research was needed.
This industry group, along with Grow
Wellington, the Ministry of Science
and Innovation (MSI) and Victoria
University developed a business case
for the establishment of a post-graduate
Computer Graphics Programme at Victoria
University involving both the Design
School and the School of Computer
Graphics and Engineering.
As a result, the Victoria University
Computer Graphics Programme was
initiated with a mix of central and regional
government investment combined with
investment and resources from the
University and the private sector.
Such a substantial level of buy-in
from across the industry is a strong
indication of the quality of the
programme and the very real benefits
it will bring to Wellington.
“Victoria University is following an
internationally established culture by
setting up this programme. A close
relationship between graduate based
research and development at the highest
level and industry benefits all of us.
Wellington is a natural home for this
type of collaboration,” says John Hine,
Victoria University’s Professor of
Computer Science.
Grow Wellington’s involvement in
the programme aligns with high-level
Wellington Regional Strategy outcomes
around developing an entrepreneurial
and innovative region in several ways.
The Computer Graphics Programme
will attract and generate talent at world
leading levels. Recruitment for the
programme’s teaching staff has been
global and the feeder courses for the
programme, established by the University,
are already at full capacity. The course
will offer not only the opportunity to
engage in cutting edge research and
development, but the opportunity
to work with the best creative and
technical experts in the field, a significant
inducement to potential students both
here and abroad.
A focus on commercialising the research
generated by the programme and
participating companies is also a key part
of Grow Wellington’s ongoing involvement
in the initiative. We will be working
with programme partners to ensure the
programme maintains close alignment
with the needs of the sector.
Sven Pannell, Grow Wellington’s
Screen and Digital Centre of Excellence
Manager says;
“these are companies and
researchers at the top of their
field and we want to help
them extend their competitive
advantage. this programme
is one way of achieving that -
by supercharging an already
powerful talent base. We will
also help commercialise the
research generated by this
group. this will lead to a more
robust sector as we increase
the number of businesses able
to step into the spotlight in
this global market.”
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