Back to basics

We’re all made of the same stuff: atoms, the building blocks of nature. So it seems logical that nanoscience, too, deals in everything from medicine to food and textiles. But where most of us are used to working with things we can actually see, nanotechnology involves materials at their most basic level—a sheet of paper, for example, is around 100,000 nanometres thick and a human hair about 80,000 nanometres thick. Nonetheless, some say the field could potentially be worth a trillion dollars in the US alone in just five years. In the latest Idealog, Bette Flagler delves into this brave new world and finds out how thinking on a very, very small scale is reaping big money for some homegrown companies.

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Wanted: original ideas

“All too often, good ideas lack the profile to get them off the ground,” says Kiwibank CEO Sam Knowles. Now, the state-owned bank is calling for great Kiwi ideas to showcase online and, in the case of the very best brainwaves, to foot the advertising bill for their promotion . Entries so far include the no-more-slouch chair and an e-reservation parking service. Think you can do better? Don’t be shy; upload your best concepts here and if the three-strong panel of judges agree, fame and glory could be yours.

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Power to the people

With people increasingly turning to their social networks for information and recommendations, Craig Davis saw an opportunity too good to waste. This week he launched BrandKarma— the world’s “first brand-centric social media platform”, developed over months in his after-hours time. The site makes it easy for people to inform themselves and share their opinions about brands. Users can access news about global companies, see others’ views on everything from coffee chains to clothing brands, and upload their own feedback. Davis says grassroots movements have never been powerful, and he aims to create a democracy where good brand behaviour is rewarded and bad behaviour is called out.

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Nature by numbers

Since the dawn of time, artists and architects have been using mathematical and geometric formulas. And so has Mother Earth. See how the Fibonnaci rule, the golden ratio and the Delaunay Triangulation manifest themselves in nature in this short film by Cristóbal Vila. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkGeOWYOFoA

Last chance

If you haven’t already registered to attend the first Creative Entrepreneurs event on Wednesday, well, time is running out. Come along to Orams Marine Boatpark, Westhaven for an evening of cocktails, canapes and plenty of creative fodder on March 31. You’ll get to hear director Jonathan King talk about the creative process, working with Weta Workshop and the challenges of funding, plus at just $42+GST for Chamber members and Idealog subscribers (or $64+GST for other creatives) it’s a steal.

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Home sweet home

Could this mobile shelter be the answer to the problem of homelessness? There’s literally no room to stand up in it, but there is a rest area, makeshift washroom, and it can be easily carted around. The roof also acts as a raincatcher, while a tank stores the water for use later on. Practical, compact and efficient.

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Tua for free

Thanks to Duco Events, Idealog has two tickets to the upcoming fight between David Tua and Friday Ahunanya to give away. Obviously, you’ll need to be able to make it to the Trusts Stadium in Hamilton Henderson on March 31. To be in to win, answer this question: How many rounds did David Tua and Shane Cameron go for in the “Fight of the Century” last year? Email your answer to editor@idealog.co.nz by 5pm on Monday along with your contact details.

Bring me to life

Next month will see Auckland’s streets coming alive with a programme of live performances, art installations and films. The Living Room, a public art event which runs from April 9-18, is set to take over locations around the CBD with works based around the theme of giving and kindness. And for those who want to dig deeper, there’s also a free series of workshops bringing together artists, choreographers, and art managers to discuss the topic “Public Art—from High Brow to the Street”.

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Highly aware

Excessive Photoshopping has ended many a photographer’s career. So just what future incarnations of the software could do for the industry is scary to contemplate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH0aEp1oDOI

Almost too good to be true

In a rare opportunity to meet some of New Zealand’s smartest start-up investors and mentors Idealog and Escalator are offering 80 places at a full-day workshop and seminar on April 15, followed by the chance to pick the brains of an angel over coffee. Speakers and mentors include Bill Payne, one of America’s leading angel investors. But don’t dawdle, numbers are limited. Click here for more information or register online.

Quote of the week

“The temptation is to milk the market for as much as you can. The thinking is that if there is only one market to sell a car, then that market can charge what they like. Don’t do it!”

— Lance Wiggs warns would-be monopolists that although ambition is a good thing, greed is not.