Tauranga Business Awards 2026: Defence tech innovator SYOS Aerospace takes top gong

As well as the Supreme Award, SYOS won the Innovation and International Trade category awards.

The company was recognised for its rapid growth, global relevance and commitment to innovation developed in New Zealand.

Head judge Jamie Lunam said in a media release that SYOS Aerospace stood out for its agility, ambition and ability to deliver complex projects at pace.

“The judges were impressed by SYOS Aerospace’s rapid development and deployment capability, backed by their big manufacturing investment into the region.”

Lunam said SYOS was operating on a “global stage”, securing international military and government contracts while keeping research, development and local manufacturing in New Zealand.

He said the company’s decision to remain headquartered in Tauranga was a “key differentiator”.

“SYOS Aerospace is attracting world-class talent into the region and proving that globally relevant technology can be built right here.”

Founded in 2021 and dual-headquartered in Mount Maunganui and the UK, SYOS develops and manufactures autonomous uncrewed vehicles across air, land, sea and underwater domains, including drones, robotic vessels and ground vehicles.

It was named 2025 Company of the Year at the NZ Hi-Tech Awards.

Following a $66.8 million drone deal with the UK Government, the Mount Maunganui start-up added new uncrewed vehicles and tripled local staff. Photo / Jason Dorday

Chief executive Samuel Vye told the NZ Herald in September that it planned to triple its about 50 staff at Mount Maunganui over the next year and aimed to become “the next Rocket Lab”.

It acquired Tauranga underwater drone maker Bay Dynamics the next month.

Major defence contracts SYOS has secured included a $66.8 million deal with the British Defence Force to supply drones for Ukraine, and a New Zealand Defence Force contract to provide air, land and maritime drones for Army and Navy trials.

The UK Ministry of Defence has also shortlisted SYOS among companies progressing to the next stage of Project NYX, a £100 million ($227m) programme developing autonomous drones to operate alongside British Army Apache attack helicopters.

Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley said the awards highlighted the strength and resilience of the Bay of Plenty business community.

Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley. Photo / Mead Norton

“The standard of finalists this year was exceptionally high, and the range of success stories shared on the stage last night were genuinely inspiring,” he said in the media release.

“We heard from businesses boot-strapping their start-ups, as well as those investing in innovation, backing their people, and adapting to challenging conditions.”

Another business celebrated was Bay Paediatrics, which took out the People’s Choice Award, determined by public vote.

The private paediatric clinic specialises in ADHD diagnosis and treatment of children and was co-founded by Dr Sarah Moll and Freddie Bennett.

Last year, the business launched the New Zealand Neurodiversity Centre of Excellence at its Elizabeth St clinic.

Bay Paediatrics co-founder and paediatric consultant Dr Sarah Moll (middle).

It also unveiled the Illuminate ADHD assessment, which uses artificial intelligence, motion and eye-tracking technology to measure symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.

Cowley said Bay Paediatrics stood out for its “emerging leadership” in the health sector.

“And their potential to influence positive change, and their vision to become New Zealand’s leading centre for neurodivergence.”

Cowley said his takeaway from this years awards was that Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty continued to produce “bold, outward-looking” businesses committed to long-term success.

“The depth of talent across the field was impressive, and every business recognised last night should be proud of the role they play in strengthening our regional economy.”

Deloitte and Farmer Autovillage Tauranga Business Awards 2025 Winners:

Deloitte and Farmer Autovillage Business of the Year – SYOS AerospaceNewstalk ZB People’s Choice Award – Bay Paediatrics Toi Ohomai Emerging Business – ArchishadeCooney Lees Morgan Excellent Women in Leadership – Jacinta Horan, Bureta Physiotherapy Mercury Baypark Excellence in Industry Achievement – Collab DigitalTauranga Business Chamber Excellence in Manufacturing – ModcomPacific Growth Services and Sequal Lumber Excellence in Māori/Pasifika Business – JNP Aviation LtdKingSt Advertising Excellence in Marketing Impact – Nomu Matcha 2Degrees Excellence in Innovation – SYOS Aerospace Zespri Excellence in International Trade – SYOS AerospaceUniversity of Waikato Excellence in Supply & Logistics – Container CoFarmer Autovillage and New World Mt Maunganui Special Judges Impact Award – Barber Spence