New Zealand has always had a special relationship with innovation. From scientific breakthroughs to creative advances in technology and design, Kiwi ideas have transformed industries and inspired the world. This next chapter will build on what the summit has always been known for – bringing technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers together to share ideas, learn from each other, and explore what’s next for Aotearoa’s digital future.
The CIO Innovation Summit & Awards 2026 will celebrate that legacy while looking ahead to how the C-suite can build innovation for people, the planet, and future generations.
2026 Summit Themes
The 2026 edition of the CIO Innovation Summit & Awards will take place on the 3-5 August 2026 at NZICC, Auckland, and will centre around the theme ‘THE FUTURE C_O’, exploring how enterprise leaders can reimagine the role of the C-suite in driving innovation for people, planet, and purpose.
Key themes include:
- INNOVATION FOR PEOPLE, PLANET, & PURPOSE
Driving transformation and innovation that delivers commercial performance and meaningful impact.
- SOVEREIGN AI & DIGITAL TRUST
Building secure, ethical, and compliant digital ecosystems that earn trust.
- SCALING DEEP TECH & ENTERPRISE LEADERSHIP
Harnessing emerging technologies and leadership capability to drive change.
- CREATE INTELLIGENCE: THE HUMAN EDGE OF ENTERPRISE INNOVATION
Blending creativity, design, and culture to fuel competitive differentiation.
- GLOBAL-FIRST, RESPONSIBLE-ALWAYS
Building globally competitive, ethically grounded enterprises.
For more information, visit ciosummit.co.nz
Brightstar
Brightstar NZ is a New Zealand-based company that specializes in creating and delivering professional events, including summits and awards, for various sectors like technology, primary industries, and finance. It also has a separate entity, Brightstar Corp., which is a global leader in mobile device lifecycle management solutions.
This event has already concluded.
Please see below some images and key takeaways.
Ecosystm was proud to partner with Brightstar as Knowledge Partner for the New Zealand CIO Innovation Summit & Awards, bringing independent research, analyst insights, and practical perspectives to the conversations shaping New Zealand’s digital future.
The event in Auckland brought together technology leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the next phase of digital innovation.
Our Founder & Group CEO, Amit Gupta, delivered the Opening Keynote, exploring the next chapter of New Zealand’s innovation roadmap. He highlighted why Aotearoa already had the ingredients for world class innovation and what technology leaders needed to prioritise to turn those strengths into coordinated action and sustained competitive advantage.
Louise Francis, Country Manager, New Zealand and Principal for Industry Research, shared insights into how data strategy, digital sovereignty, and governance were becoming critical enablers of enterprise AI, and what CIOs needed to prioritise to innovate with confidence amid an increasingly complex technology and regulatory landscape.
It was a valuable opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and contribute to the conversations driving New Zealand’s digital future.