AI interns helping Kiwi businesses bridge the digital divide

A new collaboration between the NZ Product Accelerator and ASB is offering students an opportunity to apply their artificial intelligence skills in real-world business environments, while helping Kiwi companies gain a foothold in the fast-moving digital landscape.

The initiative pairs master’s students in AI, data science and business analytics with ASB business customers. Over the course of a semester, each student works within a business to help address real problems using emerging technologies. These are tools that many businesses are aware of, but don’t yet have the internal capability to fully explore.

The programme’s first cohort includes 13 students from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. It is already showing signs of strong momentum, with plans underway to scale up to 100 placements per semester, drawing on students from universities across Aotearoa.

Ben Speedy, ASB’s General Manager Commercial Banking and Business Strategy, says they’re excited to help businesses gain cutting-edge skills, while offering students real-world experience.

“Unlocking productivity is essential for Kiwi businesses to grow, but many have been challenged with limited investment and slow tech adoption. This programme provides a practical way for businesses to integrate AI and accelerate growth. As AI, data science and business analytics continue to evolve, this partnership will be a game changer for these businesses.”

The students involved are stepping into diverse sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, fashion and construction, with a brief to uncover AI-powered solutions that can improve productivity, efficiency or customer experience.

The idea grew out of the work of the NZ Product Accelerator, a national capability network that is hosted by the University of Auckland and funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. For 15 years, NZ Product Accelerator has been helping Kiwi companies integrate and implement science, technology and innovation into their operations. Its team members are no strangers to the practical realities of manufacturing and business growth, which made the transition into applied AI a natural next step. NZ Product Accelerator work with businesses to find the right opportunities for the students aligned to the business needs, in order accelerate the implementation of innovation and adoption of technology.

Kirstine Hulse, General Manager of NZ Product Accelerator, says the programme was designed with a specific type of business in mind.

“These are businesses that are thriving, have the ambition to scale by making use of advancements in technology and are keen to lean into AI for efficiencies and growth.”

ASB and NZ Product Accelerator worked together to select participating businesses for the initial rollout, focusing on businesses that are well established. These are the kinds of companies that form the backbone of New Zealand’s economy and are often the ones most in need of support to experiment with new technology.

Hulse says that the project has quickly gained momentum. “Scaling this initiative isn’t just about expanding reach – it’s about amplifying impact. By deepening our collaboration, we increase support for businesses, unlock the potential of emerging talent and strengthen the connection between academia and industry.

In addition to involving Network Leaders in the projects, NZ Product Accelerator has added a new engagement staff member to their team at the beginning of the project, who is a bridge between ASB’s customers, students and the University. Hulse also acknowledges the University’s employer liaison staff and academic directors for helping bridge the academic and operational sides of the programme, as well as the ASB business bankers who have identified the innovation-ready organisations.

“This is the kind of cross-sector collaboration, between universities, financial institutions and businesses, that is becoming essential in ensuring Aotearoa’s innovation system remains future-focused, talent-rich and connected to real-world needs.”