Dr Sean Simpson
New Zealand Innovator of the Year
2014
New Zealand Innovator of the Year
Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau
Dr Sean Simpson
Dr. Sean Simpson is a pioneering New Zealand biotechnologist and co-founder of LanzaTech, a global leader in sustainable fuel technology. In 2014, he was awarded the New Zealand Innovator of the Year for developing a gas fermentation process that converts industrial waste gases into valuable fuels and chemicals, significantly reducing carbon emissions . Under his leadership, LanzaTech has amassed over 200 patents and achieved international recognition, including the 2015 U.S. EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Award . Dr. Simpson continues to influence the clean technology sector, serving on the boards of several innovative companies and advocating for sustainable industrial practices.
Photo from: LanzaTech
For those turning bold ideas into real-world impact. These innovators lead with courage and creativity, pushing boundaries in science, tech, culture or social change. Their mahi moves Aotearoa forward – and opens doors for those coming next.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be an individual who conceptualised and developed an innovation involving a product, service, technology, idea/theory or process across any industry sector including (but not limited to) health, science, technology, robotics, business, education, environmental, sustainability, agriculture, disadvantaged communities, and non-profits.
- Have had significant impact over the last 12 months.
- Be a role model for New Zealanders and highlight a brighter future for New Zealanders.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:
- 10 points: INNOVATION:
Describe the innovation of your nominee and the thoughtful, creative, and innovative approach it takes to resolve a challenge. - 10 points: NEED:
What problem does the innovation solve? And how is it unique to the market? - 10 points: COMMITMENT:
Describe the commitment of time, risks, and challenges overcome to develop the innovation to this point (this may still be ongoing). - 10 points: PROVEN-IMPACT:
How has the innovation clearly demonstrated a positive impact on the targeted community (particularly over the last 12-months)? How has this been measured? - 10 points: POTENTIAL:
Describe the opportunity the innovation has to generate economic, social, and/or environmental benefits for a local industry sector, the nation, and or globally. - 10 points: LONG-TERM IMPACT:
How is the nominee planning to enhance, grow, and/or adapt the innovation in the future to best meet the changing needs of the targeted population? How would winning this award impact this person and the work that they are doing?
2025
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