Innovative Companies from Otago Transform Global Industries

Several innovative companies based in Otago, New Zealand, are redefining their respective sectors through cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements. From agriculture to food safety management, these enterprises are making a significant impact globally.

MastaPlex Revolutionizes Bovine Health

MastaPlex, a trailblazer in on-farm diagnostics, is addressing the issue of bovine mastitis, which is a leading cause of antibiotic overuse. The company’s chief executive, Dr. Olaf Bork, highlights their patented system, Mastatest, as the only on-farm diagnostic tool that identifies both the bacteria causing mastitis and its antibiotic sensitivity. This system not only provides best-practice treatment advice but does so without requiring specialist training, with results available in under 24 hours.

Clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals have validated the efficacy of Mastatest, encouraging dairy farmers and veterinarians to adopt new practices. Developed and manufactured in Otago, Mastatest is now exported to thousands of clients across more than 20 countries. The latest version, dubbed G3, launched in June 2024, integrates customer feedback and real-world trials to enhance user experience. Additionally, advancements in customer data analytics and reporting have been introduced to help farmers and veterinarians make informed decisions, supporting healthier herds. MastaPlex is also exploring potential applications of Mastatest for other animal diseases, further broadening its impact.

Chomp Enhances Food Safety Management

Chomp has developed innovative food safety management software aimed at various businesses, including cafes, restaurants, hotels, and childcare facilities. According to marketing manager Jen-Ni Quante, this software replaces outdated paper-based systems with a smart, digital solution that simplifies compliance processes.

The platform is designed for daily use by busy teams, facilitating all aspects of food safety compliance from any device. Chomp’s software aims to streamline food safety management, making it faster, easier, and more accurate. In the past year, the company has expanded its workforce, redesigned its platform, and launched ChompHQ, a new management dashboard that shifts food safety management from a reactive to a proactive approach. By working closely with chefs and business operators, Chomp ensures its solution surpasses traditional methods in efficiency and effectiveness, yielding measurable benefits for its users.

AbacusBio Drives Genetic Innovation

Founded in 2001, AbacusBio Ltd has been at the forefront of genetic improvement, blending scientific expertise with business intelligence. Group managing director Nadia McLean notes that the company, headquartered in Dunedin, has expanded to include offices in Scotland, Canada, and Australia, employing around 50 professionals.

AbacusBio’s mission focuses on enhancing resources and food sustainability worldwide. Chief scientific officer Peter Amer explains the company integrates various disciplines, including quantitative genetics, big data computing, and farm management, to develop genetic solutions for the agricultural sector. Their initiatives extend to rural India, where women receive training to improve animal genetics, and East Africa, where food crop yields are enhanced through strategic collaborations. The team comprises geneticists, data scientists, and agribusiness professionals, ensuring tailored solutions for each client’s needs.

Incredible Software Streamlines Business Operations

Incredible Software is transforming operational challenges into streamlined solutions. The company’s co-chief executive, Stephen Johnson, states that their focus is on replacing inefficient processes—such as scattered inventory tracking and time-consuming sales quoting—with AI-powered systems that simplify daily operations.

Headquartered in New Zealand, Incredible Software caters to clients worldwide. Their innovations include a phone agent capable of managing calls, understanding requests, and generating reports autonomously. Additionally, they offer tools that can convert spoken words or handwritten notes into professional documents. With a rapidly growing team that now includes remote colleagues from Canada, Ecuador, the United States, and Britain, Incredible Software aims to provide businesses with the capacity to focus on what truly matters.

The initiatives from these Otago-based companies showcase a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, demonstrating how local ingenuity can have a profound impact on global industries.