We've reached a turning point

Future State, a technology summit presented by Spark Business Lab and Semi Permanent, returns for a second instalment.

Three world-changing leaders explore the next era of sustainability and technological innovation and advise New Zealand businesses on how they might integrate the latest findings into their business models.

Our speakers share their insights on how businesses can adopt sustainable practices, explore the benefits of circular design and optimise the use of resources. Stay tuned for monthly content drops by joining our newsletter. 

Hear from our Future State speakers

Moving towards a post-disposable world


Dr. Leyla Acaroglu explains how businesses can leverage technology to reduce their reliance on disposable products.

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The future of waste digestion technology


Justin Kamine provides insights on how companies can effectively utilise their waste streams.

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Fashioning a sustainable future


Eva Kruse, Chief Global Engagement Officer at PANGAIA, discusses what the fashion industry needs to do to evolve sustainability efforts.

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Developing sustainable cities


Creating sustainable cities requires addressing various aspects. When we step back and look at the big picture, there are specific areas where we can take action to make a positive impact.

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Eco-wakening: How customers are driving sustainability


To drive sustainability to scale, we need to empower consumers to be a part of the solution. Justin Kamine shares his advice for New Zealand businesses on how they can operate more sustainably to be at the forefront of a future where sustainability is paramount.

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Watch the full keynotes from our speakers

Justin Kamine


In his talk, Justin Kamine discusses how we bring sustainability to scale. Justin's keynote delves into innovative solutions that are empowering consumers, from carbon-reduced chicken farming to bioplastics made from seaweed.

Watch Justin's keynote

Leyla Acaroglu


Leyla Acaroglu considers how systems, sustainability and design can come together to solve Earth’s biggest problems. In her keynote, Leyla challenges the way we think about the global economy, consumption and recycling.

Watch Leyla's keynote

Eva Kruse


Eva Kruse examines the question: Can fashion save the planet? In her keynote address, Eva emphasises the transformative power of sustainable fashion and the collective efforts needed to transition towards more sustainable business models.

Watch Eva's keynote

Meet our speakers

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Justin Kamine
KDC Earth

Recognised in Forbes 50 Most Influential Impact Investors and USA Today’s #1 Entrepreneur for 2024, Justin Kamine is the manager of KDC Earth. Through his products and businesses Justin aims to solve some of the most significant climate and societal issues faced by the planet, including food waste, the creation of plastic alternatives, promoting affordable food as medicine programs, and building large-scale closed-loop infrastructure.
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Dr. Leyla Acaroglu
The Unschool & Disrupt Design

An award-winning designer, sociologist and sustainability expert, Leyla Acaroglu is internationally recognised as a leading force in the movement for a sustainable and circular future. As an educational entrepreneur, she founded The UnSchool, an experimental knowledge lab for adults and developed the Disruptive Design Method.
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Eva Kruse
PANGAIA

Eva Kruse is the Chief Global Engagement Officer at PANGAIA, a direct-to-consumer materials science company on a mission to save the environment through breakthrough innovations for everyday lifestyle products. Kruse is an experienced apparel industry executive and has served on many advisory boards in both governmental, commercial, and cultural organisations.



Future State: New Realities

Explore all the inspiration and impact of our first Future State event held in May 2023.

Business Is Boring Podcast

Hear from our Future State speakers on the Business is Boring podcast. Hosted by Simon Pound and made in partnership with Spark Business Lab.