Latest news with #Vye
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Syos wins company of the year at Hi-Tech Awards, Sir Peter Beck named Flying Kiwi
The contract meant Syos' Tauranga-based founder, Samuel Vye, will now fulfil his prediction that revenue would jump from $4m to more than $55m this year. His firm's website says Syos drones have 'proven operational success in conflict zones'. Willis said Syos was 'creating some of the most world-leading drone technology, and they are literally helping fight the conflict in Ukraine - because they do it better than any other country in the world, from Mt Maunganui.' The British deal was announced when Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met his counterpart Sir Keir Starmer in April, when the countries' joint efforts to train Ukrainian forces were on the agenda. Last September, Vye was on an Aerospace New Zealand summit panel covered by the Herald, where a strong theme was that NZ is too squeamish about defence contracts. 'Silicon Valley VCs are happy with defence and dual-use investing. New Zealand is behind, in my opinion. We're still allergic to anything that could be considered used by the Navy or Army or Air Force – whether it's got 1080 on it or it's got guns on it,' Vye said. 'You could say we just make Toyota Hiluxes ... and then the payload goes on it.' Syos drones were also used for agriculture and environmental monitoring. Vye also told the Christchurch summit: 'We couldn't raise from New Zealand VCs because every single group – well, most groups – couldn't invest in dual-use technology because it was against their investment criteria and ESG [environmental, social and governance] policies so hence we went down the high-net-worth individual route.' After Syos' banner 2025, more options are likely to open up. Total immersion Deep Dive Division, a robotic diving company founded in 2018 by Tua and Courtney Karalus, was named Māori Company of the Year. The company is based in the Waikato but has done a significant volume of work in Tauranga, including laying artificial reefs in Tauranga Harbour as part of Cyclone Gabrielle restoration work. Deep Dive Division's founders joked they were 'social housing for crayfish'. It bills itself as NZ's only Māori and Pacific-owned commercial and scientific diving company. Its services range from hull cleans and biosecurity to film production – including work on blockbuster Avatar: The Way of Water. Beefy AI Wellington's Mindhive Global won the start-up and agritech categories. It uses AI to detect 25 types of defects in cowhides within seconds, combining machine learning, image recognition, and industrial hardware in a way that's technically robust and commercially viable, the award judges said. Mindhive has recently landed business in Brazil and Italy, the home of leather. The Most Innovative Tech Solution and Most Innovative Manufacturer gongs were picked up by The Village Goldsmith - which is also disrupting a long-standing industry with its development of a unique platform, developed over 17 years and many lasers, that allows diamonds to float without visible prongs, claws, or clasps. It was an innovation the judges said was recognised globally as the most significant change in diamond solitaire ring design since 1886, leading to a deal with Tiffany & Co. Beck joins 'Flying Kiwi' hall of fame Sir Peter Beck was recognised as the 2025 Flying Kiwi and inducted into the NZ Hi-Tech Hall of Fame. He received the honour for taking his company Rocket Lab from a start-up 20 years ago to the multibillion-dollar company it is today, while at the same time contributing to the development of the Kiwi aerospace industry and personally investing in a slate of homegrown start-ups. Watch Beck's pre-recorded acceptance clip below: The 2025 NZ Hi-Tech Award winners PwC Hi-Tech Company of the Year Xero Hi-Tech Young Achiever Winner: Luke Campbell (co-founder & CEO of VXT) Advertise with NZME. Spark Best Hi-Tech Solution for the Public Good Winner: Optimation Consult Recruitment Best Contribution to the NZ Tech Sector Winner: Talent RISE Datacom Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual Winner: Lee Timutimu Winner: Kitea Health Poutama Trust Hi-Tech Kamupene Māori o te Tau – Māori Company of the Year Tait Communications Flying Kiwi Winner: The Village Goldsmith Advertise with NZME. Duncan Cotterill Most Innovative Hi-Tech Software Solution Winner: Toku Eyes Highly commended: Carepatron Braemac Most Innovative Hi-Tech Manufacturer of the Year Winner: The Village Goldsmith Kiwibank Most Innovative Hi-Tech Solution for a More Sustainable Future Advertise with NZME. Winner: Cleanery Winner: Mindhive Global Punakaiki Hi-Tech Start-up Company of the Year Advertise with NZME. Winner: Mindhive Global ASX Hi-Tech Emerging Company of the Year Winner: Projectworks Highly commended: Calocurb
1News
27-04-2025
- Business
- 1News
Inside the Tauranga drone company with a $66m UK defence contract
Amongst cluster of warehouses in Tauranga's industrial zone, there's a large shed with no signage. Inside are workers developing some of the world's most technologically sophisticated and revolutionary modes of transport. It's the head quarters of Syos Aerospace, a drone manufacturer that has just signed contracts with the UK's Ministry of Defence worth $66.8 million dollars. Syos Aerospace CEO and founder Samuel Vye spoke to Q+A the day before he left to the UK for the announcement of the deal. While he was unable to divulge the details of the deal, he was happy to talk about the work of his robotics company. The Tauranga warehouse is Syos's development and research hub. The prototypes are trialled in New Zealand but manufactured in a facility South East of London. UAV's or unmanned aerial vehicles make up the bulk of the work but Syos has also developed, long range uncrewed vessels, helicopters and ground vehicles. Inside their headquarters, an array of aerial drones and parts sit on long work benches. It's the weekend so not many technicians are in but in an adjoining area, an engineering is fine tuning the rotor on an uncrewed helicopter. There are impressive display prototypes in a showroom area. One of them, a missile shaped drone, with retro Thunderbirds vibes, has one role, Samuel Vye explained; to shoot other drones out of the sky. The robotics company has been supplying the British Ministry of Defence with drones and won contracts with other customers up against some of the world's biggest aero-space companies. When Q+A asked Vye about why a small Bay of Plenty robotics company is becoming a go-to drone manufacturer, he replied: 'It's not about the specific drone." "It's about the capability that Syos Aerospace has in rapidly developing the next drone that's needed by the customer. So we're always horizon scanning what the future looks like so at the drop of a hat we can spend six weeks and rapidly develop the next drone systems that a customer might currently need." He told Q+A that it would be keen to bid for contracts when the New Zealand Ministry of Defence puts out tenders for drone supply. The Ministry's recently released Defence Capability Plan indicates it has between $200 million and $450m to spend on drones for maritime and security surveillance and combat. At a UK military base this last week, Vye and his team presented the company's latest drone technology to British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer along with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The British Prime Minister made special mention of Syos in when announcing a new UK and NZ defence co-operation agreement. Starmer confirmed that the drone deal with Syos would support Ukraine. Back in Tauranga, the Syos CEO answers questions about how their drones may be used in war. 'We don't stick weapons on any of our drone systems.' 'So we stay away from that controversial subject so all our systems are set up as surveillance, cargo systems to be multi role, multi use by our customers.' On the question of whether the drones provide a platform to be armed, Vye said: "I guess a Toyota Hilux provides a platform to be armed." The systems developed by Syos have a wide range of applications beyond conflict zones. There's a race on to produce long range aerial drones and USVs, unmanned surface vehicles; boats that can surveille and patrol the far reaches of New Zealand's massive EEZ. Other systems can be used for conservation work, fire fighting and search and rescue. Vye said the world will soon look very different. 'Imagine numerous swarming drone systems in the sky, on the ground, in the sea. "The low cost, high volume, mass application of drones is really the future."
Associated Press
12-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
VYE NAMED WINNER FOR HUBSPOT 2024 IMPACT AWARD AND CONTENT EXPERIENCE ACCREDITATION
ST. CLOUD, Minn., March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vye has announced that it has received both a Content Experience Accreditation and semi-annual 2024 Impact Award for Technical Excellence from HubSpot, a leading CRM platform for scaling companies. The Impact Award for Technical Excellence highlights Vye's deep technical knowledge, helping clients streamline operations, improve data accuracy, and optimize efficiency through tailored HubSpot solutions. 'Building meaningful connections with our customers is at the core of everything we do at HubSpot, and we are grateful to have Vye as a solutions partner who helps us to deliver on this promise,' said Angela O'Dowd, Global Vice President of the Solutions Partner Program at HubSpot. 'Vye's customer-centricity and dedication have been truly impressive, and it is an honor to recognize them with this Impact Award.' 'This validates our team's commitment to delivering exceptional technical and creative solutions,' said Gracie DeSantis, Digital Marketing Manager & Strategist at Vye. 'We're proud to be recognized as a leader in the HubSpot community.' Vye also earned a Content Experience Accreditation for their work with PURIS, North America's leading plant-based ingredient manufacturer. By leveraging technical and organic SEO, navigation optimization, user journey mapping, and a robust lead generation strategy, Vye transformed PURIS's digital presence into a powerful B2B tool. 'Our accreditation speaks to the impact of strategic content combined with HubSpot's capabilities,' said DeSantis. 'We look forward to helping organizations refine their content and drive meaningful growth.' About Vye Vye is a full-service, digital marketing and consulting agency that drives sustainable growth. Their team of creative professionals is based throughout the U.S. and focuses on clients with big challenges and lofty ambitions. As a HubSpot Solutions Partner specializing in inbound marketing, Vye is committed to uncommonly creative work and long-term client relationships. Learn more at
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protesters take to Fayetteville streets over White House Executive Orders
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Over 100 protesters gathered Tuesday at the corner of College Avenue and Dickson Street, voicing their concerns over recent executive orders from President Donald Trump. Many said they were speaking out to be a voice for those they believe are no longer heard. Abrielle Mendez, a Hispanic Arkansas native, was among those in attendance, advocating to end mass deportation and protect human rights she fears are slipping away. 'Our culture—and people love our culture so much—but they don't want the people who bring it here,' Mendez said. 'My father's from Mexico. He's fought his entire life to be here. Whether people realize it or not, I think Mexicans are the backbone of this country.' As cars passed, some horns blared in support. Protest organizer Vye emphasized that her goal was not to create division, but rather to unite the community and foster dialogue between those with differing perspectives on issues like mass deportation. 'I feel like we could often come to a middle ground more easily than we can now,' Vye said. 'Whereas now, it's very extreme—'I don't want to hear you.' It's very hate-centered. I feel like nobody really wants to question their ideologies anymore or what's behind those ideologies.' Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders also weighed in on the issue, affirming her support for mass deportation policies and the current administration's stance on border security. 'We're going to work closely with the Trump administration,' Sanders said. 'We have to be a country that has law and order. We have to be a country that has a secure border. And we finally have a president back in the White House who understands that and is actually taking steps to enforce it.' The protest remained peaceful, with demonstrators continuing to push for dialogue and action on immigration and human rights issues. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
