As I reflect on our journey since participating in the Mahuki program, I am filled with gratitude for how far JIX has come in the cultural technology sector. While it’s tough to quantify our exact impact, I’m quietly proud to share that JIX has generated revenue that exceeds the initial investment we received from Mahuki.

That said, it’s important to remember the bigger picture. Mahuki’s $3 to $3.5 million investment over three years supported numerous teams and initiatives—not just JIX. When we look at the collective efforts of all Mahuki participants, from job creation to technological advancements and project completions, the overall impact on New Zealand’s cultural and technology sectors is even more remarkable.

Tech entrepreneurs descend on Te Papa’s $1m innovation hub

Our success is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Each Mahuki alumnus has made unique contributions, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond individual achievements. We are all part of a thriving ecosystem that is driving innovation and growth.

We remain deeply thankful for the opportunity Mahuki and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Callaghan Innovation Melissa Firth Fran Wilde Tui Te Hau Liz Gibbs Amos Mann Priscilla Edmonds Victoria Essen provided us. Their commitment to cultural technology startups like ours has fostered an environment ripe for innovation. Looking ahead, we are determined to build on this strong foundation, aiming to create even more value and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the cultural technology space.

This journey has taught us the incredible power of support, collaboration, and perseverance. While we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, we understand that true success lies in the collective impact we make in enriching New Zealand’s cultural and technological landscape.

A Throwback to 2018: JIX’s Innovative Technologies Still Shaping the Future

Reflecting on our journey since participating in Te Papa’s Mahuki innovation accelerator in 2018, I’m amazed at how the technologies we developed back then continue to influence the cultural and educational landscape today.

AR Sandbox: Bringing Topography to Life

One of our standout projects from 2018 was the Augmented Reality (AR) Sandbox. This interactive installation allowed users to shape real sand while a projector overlaid topographic information in real-time. Today, this technology is finding a home in educational institutions, where it’s used to teach geography, geology, and environmental science in a hands-on, engaging way.

Haptic Multisensory Experience: Touch the Untouchable

Our haptic-driven museum experience, which combined virtual reality, hand gesture recognition, and haptic feedback, was truly ahead of its time in 2018. This technology allowed visitors to “feel” objects and artworks that were otherwise off-limits.

Now, similar haptic technologies are being employed in virtual surgery training, industrial design, and even to create more immersive gaming experiences. It’s gratifying to see the foundation we laid inspiring developments in multisensory digital interactions.

Mixed Reality Cultural Content Experience: Bridging Past and Present

Our mixed reality experience aimed to breathe new life into history and art. This technology has become even more relevant today, especially as global events have restricted physical access to cultural institutions.

For example, applications similar to ours are now being used to recreate historical sites and artifacts. The Hiamo team’s work on recreating historical gun emplacements using AR showcases how this technology continues to evolve, finding new ways to preserve and present our cultural heritage.

Looking Forward

As we forge ahead at JIX, it’s heartening to see how our early work during the Mahuki program has laid the groundwork for ongoing advancements in the cultural technology sector. The AR, VR, and mixed reality technologies we explored in 2018 are becoming increasingly mainstream, finding applications not just in museums but also in education, tourism, and corporate training.

Our journey from Mahuki to establishing ourselves in ChristchurchNZ has been one of continuous learning and adaptation. We take pride in contributing to New Zealand’s growing reputation as a hub for cultural technology.

Looking to the future, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of digital experiences in culture and education. The foundations we built in 2018 continue to guide our work as we strive to create technologies that engage, educate, and celebrate our shared cultural heritage.