Source: ASB
ASB has partnered with the New Zealand Product Accelerator to launch a programme which will connect artificial intelligence (AI), data science and business analytics master’s students and interns with ASB business customers. Students will be placed within a business for one semester to help them solve real world problems, using AI and innovative digital technologies to drive productivity.
NZ Product Accelerator works with Kiwi companies to identify opportunities to grow their business through implementing innovation, tech and science. Through this new partnership, ASB and NZ Product Accelerator will align a student’s unique skills with an ASB business customer’s individual needs to maximise growth potential.
Starting with an initial cohort of 13 students from the University of Auckland, the programme plans to scale up to around 100 student placements and internships each semester from a range of New Zealand universities. Businesses from a variety of sectors are participating, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, fashion and construction.
Private training institute academyEX, led by Frances Valintine, is one of the first businesses to join the programme and will work with a student to leverage data to improve its customers’ learning experience. Another student will join healthcare equipment company, Allied Medical, to develop an AI-powered system to accelerate and improve technical parts enquiries. Other businesses participating in the first cohort include cosmetics business The Beauty Lab Collective and manufacturer Windowmakers.
Ben Speedy, ASB’s General Manager Commercial Banking and Business Strategy says: “Unlocking productivity is essential for Kiwi businesses to grow, but many have been challenged with limited investment and slow tech adoption. This programme provides a practical way for businesses to integrate AI and accelerate growth. We’re excited to help these businesses gain cutting-edge skills, while offering students real-world experience. As AI, data science and business analytics continue to evolve, this partnership will be a game changer for these businesses.”
Sir Ian Taylor, Patron of the NZ Product Accelerator says: “The NZ Product Accelerator sits at the intersection of innovation, industry and impact. The partnership with ASB brings together the brilliance of Kiwi research and science with the real-world needs of business. The NZ Product Accelerator model proves how collaboration can accelerate progress, drive commercial success, and deliver lasting benefits to Aotearoa.”
Ben Speedy says: “Enabling growth is a priority for us at ASB. We continue to support exporters and innovators with capital and global network opportunities, as well as boosting our internal capability in the critical food and fibre and manufacturing sectors.”
Over the past five years ASB has grown business lending more than any other bank, with net business lending up $4.5 billion. Last year, ASB worked with the Employers and Manufacturers Association and Productivity and Transformation Consultants LMAC to deliver 21 productivity workshops, aimed at supporting manufacturers to embrace big data, digitisation and advanced technology. Over 200 businesses attended, with 40 of them going on to complete an investment roadmap for a productivity gaining initiative.
