The Innovation Circuit with Theta

Why is there a stall between GenAI proof of concepts (POCs) and production?ChaptersIntroduction to Generative AI Challenges05:59 Understanding POCs, Pilots and Production09:10 The Reality Check: From POC to Production11:12 Readiness and Organisational Approach to Generative AI14:30 Technical Challenges17:00 Understanding GenAI Implementation Challenges17:44 Data Quality and Change Management19:46 Outcome-Driven AI Strategies27:00 Accountability in AI UsageConclusion and Key Takeaways

 In this episode, we’ll be discussing how to ensure your organisation’s sensitive data remains secure and confidential with Microsoft Purview.We'll cover:Why data protection has become critical with Copilot What data sensitivity labelling is and how it works in Microsoft Purview What’s driving organisations to start data classification (Copilot, compliance, governance) What foundations are needed before implementing Purview (planning, policies, data understanding) Key learnings from going live (encryption, internal vs external sharing, label clarity) User-led vs auto-labelling approaches Challenges with PDFs and document handling Minimising user disruption and behaviour change Designing labels for different business areas without over-complexity Importance of UAT, pilot groups, and testing before rollout Managing third-party systems and document templates Co-authoring requirements for labelled documents Controlling who can change or downgrade labels Role of training, communication, and change management What comes next: using DLP to enforce protection and control Copilot access PanellistsGregg Taylor – Lead Consultant, Data and InsightsLiz Knight - Head of Cyber Security/ModeratorChapters00:00 Introduction to Data Protection and Microsoft Purview00:51 Understanding Data Sensitivity Labelling04:06 Drivers for Data Classification and Compliance05:57 Foundational Requirements for Data Protection07:33 Lessons Learned from Implementing Sensitivity Labelling10:29 Challenges with PDF and Document Management13:42 Configuration and User Training for Labels20:36 Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Its Importance

In this two-part series, we’re diving into emerging tech trends and their potential impact as we look ahead to 2026. The topics we explore are based on insights from a series of executive events we recently hosted with our customers.Using a simple web app, we asked attendees to ‘swipe right’ if a tech trend would be relevant to their business in the next 12 months—or ‘swipe left’ if it wouldn’t. The result? A real-time snapshot of what business and tech leaders are prioritising for the near future.In Part 2, we cover:Human-machine Synergy & Immersive experiences  AI everywhere  Responsible AI & AI trust  Workforce and skill evolution Presented by Liz Knight, Head of Cyber Security at Theta, with guests Andrew Taylor, Head of Product & Innovation, and Jeff Wogen, Head of Digital.If you missed Part 1, go back and give it a listen and catch up on all the tech trends we covered.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tech Trends for 2026 Part 201:06 Human-Machine Synergy and Immersive Experiences05:42 AI everywhere 07.15 Responsible AI &AI trust  09.44 Workforce and skill evolution Resource links:Meta AI glasses | Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta & Display glasses | Meta StoreNew brain-computer interface allows man with ALS to ‘speak’ againHow people are using ChatGPT | OpenAIWhat Is AI Governance? - Palo Alto NetworksVibe coding - WikipediaFuture of Jobs Report 2025: The jobs of the future – and the skills you need to get them | World Economic ForumThe substantial role of companies in upskilling | McKinseyMicrosoft to cut up to 9,000 jobs as it invests in AIFrom PhD dropout to US$250m deal: Meet the 24-year-old AI whiz kid | Stuff

In this two-part series, we’re diving into emerging tech trends and their potential impact as we look ahead to 2026. The topics we explore are based on insights from a series of executive events we recently hosted with our customers.Using a simple web app, we asked attendees to ‘swipe right’ if a tech trend would be relevant to their business in the next 12 months—or ‘swipe left’ if it wouldn’t. The result? A real-time snapshot of what business and tech leaders are prioritising for the near future.In Part 1, we cover:Evolving Computing ParadigmsPreparing for the Quantum EraRobotics and Autonomous SystemsNext-Generation Cyber SecurityPresented by Liz Knight, Head of Cyber Security at Theta, with guests Andrew Taylor, Head of Product & Innovation, and Jeff Wogen, Head of Digital.Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon!Resource links:Engineer turns disposable vape pen into a working web serverOne NZ’s Satellite TXT rockets to 2m milestoneWorld Nuclear Association Welcomes Microsoft Corporation as Newest Member - World Nuclear AssociationQuantum Readiness Importance: A Comprehensive Guide | CSAHarvest now, decrypt later - WikipediaGemini Robotics 1.5 brings AI agents into the physical world - Google DeepMindUsing generative AI to diversify virtual training grounds for robots | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyAmazon deploys over 1 million robots and launches new AI foundation modelDouglas Pharmaceuticals Installs New Zealand’s First AutoStore: 30% More Storage in 10% of the SpaceAI-powered drones track down fires in German forestsHow a North Korean Fake IT Worker Tried to Infiltrate UsCharlotte AI: Agentic Analyst for Cybersecurity

In today's episode, we explore FAQs around Microsoft's Azure NZ North Data Centre. The panel discusses the adoption of cloud services, data sovereignty vs data residency, environmental sustainability, government certification and the benefits of a local data centre for New Zealand organisations. They also address common myths about migrating to Azure NZ North and the importance of feasibility assessments for those looking to migrate.

Ron Chan, a prolific bug bounty hunter, was featured in Forbes as one of the elite few to surpass $1 million in rewards from ethical hacking programs. Throughout his career, he's made high-impact submissions to platforms such as Uber, GitLab, Yahoo, Google, PayPal and Spotify. Fast forward to 2025, Ron uses his exceptional skill set to help New Zealand organisations identify and address security vulnerabilities - now serving as Principal Consultant at Nova Security. In today's episode, we discuss the landscape of penetration testing and bug bounty programmes - and how the "builders" (product teams and technology creators) can work effectively with the "breakers" (penetration testers and ethical hackers like Ron) to create more secure digital solutions. 

Our panel pulls back the curtain on the evolving landscape of mobile applications. They dive into the role these apps play in our daily lives, what drives businesses to invest in them and the real-world challenges behind development - from fragmentation and maintenance to long-term sustainability. The conversation also explores future trends, including the rise of GenAI and the continued importance of user feedback in shaping app success.PanellistsMobile apps experts:Philip Fourie - Practice Lead, DigitalMeg Hope - Senior Consultant, DigitalHamish Norton - Lead Consultant, DigitalModerator:Liz Knight, Head of Cyber Security

Welcome back! Today we're talking about vishing, deepfakes and some of the newest Anthropic research. Plus, we welcome new panellist, Jim Taylor - Emerging Technologies Architect at Theta.

Welcome back!In today's virtual panel discussion, we're talking about the topic du jour - DeepSeek. Plus, we chat about the carrot & stick approach with GenAI tools and whether we're seeing any real efficiency and productivity gains within businesses.

Recent AI projects in the news that have caught our attention. From Alaska Airlines' AI-powered travel agent to Google's Big Sleep team discovering a critical zero-day vulnerability using AI for the first time.Jumping feet first or small bites - what's happening out there?Security concerns and Microsoft's new tool to monitor GenAI use across your organisation.The mounting pressure on leaders to roll out GenAI.Our experience at Theta & how we're managing the rollout of GenAI, including the 'grunt work' as well as more exciting endeavours like Theta AI Assist, our private ChatGPT