Franklin youth explore the future
Thousands of Franklin students are set to access cutting‑edge technology and innovation experiences locally for the first time.
Innovation Franklin, in partnership with AUT, has launched the Innovation Franklin Mobile Innovation Lab, a purpose-built, transportable innovation hub designed to bring future-focused learning directly into schools across the Franklin region.
The Mobile Innovation Lab represents a significant step forward for local access to innovation, technology, and future career pathways. Housed within a 40‑foot, side‑opening modifiedcontainer, the lab will travel between schools, community spaces, and events, offering hands‑on exposure to emerging technologies and real‑world applications across science, technology, engineering, and creativity.
Innovation Franklin Board Chair Mike Marr says the Mobile Lab is a significant step toward making these opportunities more accessible for local young people.
“This is about removing barriers and opening pathways to tertiary education and future careers,” he says.
“AUT is leading the way in innovation, by bringing the Mobile Innovation Lab into the Franklin region, we’re creating a powerful bridge, giving thousands of local students the chance to see, touch and ask questions about emerging technologies right where they are.
“We’re incredibly grateful for AUT’s support in making this possible, and for the impact this will have on young people in our community.”
Changing what’s possible for young people
AUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Damon Salesa says the partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to innovation and education opportunities for young people in the Franklin region.
“Taking learning directly into local schools and communities changes what’s possible for young people,” he says.
“This partnership brings AUT’s hands-on innovation and technologies to Franklin students, giving them the chance to try new things, build confidence and start seeing where further study and future careers could take them.”
“For our students, opportunities like this are incredibly powerful,” says Murray Saunders, Principal of Pukekohe High School.
“The Mobile Lab brings learning to life in a way that’s accessible, engaging and relevant. Our young people will have the chance to explore new technologies firsthand, ask questions, and start to see themselves in future pathways they may not have previously considered. Initiatives like this help build confidence, spark ambition, and show our students that world-class opportunities are within reach, right here in Franklin,” he says.
Businesses and individuals across the Franklin region helped bring the Mobile Innovation Lab to life, including Counties Energy, Daniel Overton & Goulding, Wesco Anixter, TPT Group, Innovation Franklin, and Pukekohe Family Flooring.
Partnering for the future
AUT’s partnership with Innovation Franklin extends beyond the Mobile Innovation Lab, by sponsoring the AUT Youth Shark Tank - a pitch competition for 15–18-year-olds across the region providing them with the opportunity to develop and pitch business ideas building local confidence in entrepreneurship and problem-solving.
Founded in 2021, Innovation Franklin was established to position Franklin and New Zealand for the future. Since then, the organisation has delivered a growing range of initiatives including school challenges, innovation funds, business events, and both Youth and Adult Shark Tanks, while supporting hundreds of students through school visits, prizes, trophies, and real‑world learning experiences.
The Mobile Innovation Lab also plays a critical role in Innovation Franklin’s long‑term vision: the creation of a permanent Innovation Campus in Franklin, where local people can access tertiary education, skills training, and enterprise opportunities without leaving the region.
“The Mobile Innovation Lab is a tangible step toward that future,” says Mike Marr. “With AUT alongside us, we’re building pathways that help Franklin’s young people see what’s possible and how to get there.”
Professor Damon Salesa says the partnership reflects AUT’s belief that innovation and technology exist to create positive change for people and communities.
“We invest in innovation and new technologies because of the impact they can have on young people’s lives,” he says.
“The Mobile Innovation Lab is about giving young people the tools, confidence and curiosity to explore what comes next, not just for themselves, but for the communities they’re part of.”
“When learning is practical and grounded in the real world, it helps young people see that they can build, create and contribute to a better future,” he says.
“That’s the purpose behind the work we do in learning, innovation, research and technology, to help the next generation build what tomorrow needs.”