For Captivate Technology, being named a finalist in the 'Most Innovative Hi-Tech Solution for a More Sustainable Future' category at the 2026 New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards is recognition of years of research, development and determination.

The Manawatū-founded company is developing breakthrough carbon capture technology with the ambition of making a meaningful contribution to reducing global emissions.

"We exist to avert net tonnes of CO2 at a gigaton scale," says CEO Lauren Salisbury. "Being recognised as a finalist reinforces the importance of what we're doing around sustainability and our purpose. It gives us more momentum as we continue to prove the impact our technology can have."

The timing is particularly significant. After years of research and testing, Captivate Technology has moved beyond the laboratory and into commercial readiness.

Since being founded, the team has successfully completed eight field demonstrations across a range of industries, including landfill biogas, geothermal energy, cement production, turbines and peaker plants. They have also closed a seed funding round and secured a major international partnership that will see its technology deployed in Canada.

Captivate Technology is part of a CAD$4.2 million carbon capture project alongside North American partners Tourmaline Oil Corp, CarbonQuest and Cielo Carbon Solutions. The project will deploy a modular carbon capture system at Tourmaline's natural gas processing facility in Alberta, where Captivate's specialised technology will help capture and permanently store approximately 1,500 tonnes of CO2 annually.

"It's a really exciting stage for us," says Lauren. "We've proven the science and demonstrated the technology across multiple applications. Now our focus is on commercialisation."

A key differentiator is the versatility of Captivate Technology's solution. While many carbon capture technologies are designed for a specific type of gas stream, Captivate's technology can be applied across a range of industrial settings.

At the heart of the innovation is a class of advanced materials known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which have gained global attention in recent years for their potential to transform carbon capture and other sustainability challenges.

"We're currently the only company using MOF technology in the biogas upgrading space," says Lauren. "One of the things we're most proud of is that our material is recyclable and designed for a perpetual lifespan. Many existing solutions need replacing every few years and ultimately end up in landfill."

Captivate Technology is also developing software that allows potential customers to model exactly how the technology will perform in their operations before making an investment.

This capability was developed by Process Engineer Elnaz Jangodaz , whose doctoral research at Massey University focused on carbon capture simulation under the supervision of Captivate Founder and Chief Technical Officer    Shane Telfer.

"Being able to show customers the economic and environmental value before they purchase hardware helps remove uncertainty and shortens what are traditionally very long industrial sales cycles," Lauren explains.

Captivate Technology's journey has been supported by a range of innovation programmes, including assistance through Callaghan Innovation, now delivered through MBIE Innovation Services.

Founder Shane says early-stage support was critical.

"We received Callaghan's New-to-R&D grant in our first few years, which gave us a massive boost and extended our runway long enough to raise investment. Without that support, things would have been extremely tight."

They have also received support through Callaghan Innovation's Deep Tech Incubator programme, helping strengthen its seed funding round and providing critical support as the business matured.

More recently, Captivate Technology has engaged with CEDA and Innovation Services Customer Navigator Peter Ellingham as the business transitions from a research-led startup to a commercially focused company.

Lauren says the shift from scientific research to commercialisation brings an entirely new set of challenges.

"Commercialisation requires a different mindset. Scientists and engineers are trained to be exact, but building a business is also about understanding customers, relationships and market needs. As we continue to grow, there are opportunities to tap into professional development, mentoring and business support available through the region."

Despite operating internationally and maintaining a commercial team in Auckland, Captivate Technology remains closely connected to Manawatū.

As a spin-out from Massey University, the company continues to lease laboratory and office facilities on campus and benefits from a strong pipeline of talent emerging from the university.

"It made sense to stay here because our technical team is based in Manawatū and we have access to the facilities we need," says Shane. "Massey has been incredibly supportive, and the region continues to provide access to talented people and valuable connections."

Lauren believes Manawatū's innovation ecosystem is a key strength for emerging technology businesses.

"It's a region with a genuine focus on innovation. There are opportunities to connect with people, access funding and build relationships that can help accelerate growth."

For other startups and innovators, both Lauren and Shane emphasise the importance of staying focused on customer needs.

"Understand who your customers are and what problem you're solving for them," says Lauren. "It's easy to spend years perfecting technology, but commercial success comes from solving real-world challenges."

Shane agrees.

"Fall in love with the problem, not your solution. Be willing to adapt and evolve. Hire great people, take advantage of the support available around you and make use of the region's strengths."

As Captivate Technology enters its next phase of growth, the Hi-Tech Awards finalist recognition serves as another milestone in a journey that started in Manawatū and is now attracting international attention.

With commercial deployments underway and global opportunities emerging, the team is focused on delivering technology that could help industries reduce emissions while creating a more sustainable future.