Economic Development Minister David Carter says Jade Software's new JOOB mobile platform is a shining example of innovation being driven by New Zealand's technology sector.

Mr Carter today officially launched the Beta version of the global mobile platform in Christchurch.

"Jade Software has been a long-standing industry and product innovator, and the potential growth generated by the introduction of JOOB will have an immediate and tangible flow-on effect for our wider ICT sector," says Mr Carter.

"For New Zealand to grow and compete internationally, we need more companies like Jade developing smart products and solutions that keep pace with global trends in business intelligence and smartphones.

"One of the Government's key priorities is to support better science and innovation to boost growth and create high-value jobs. The launch of this new mobile platform is just such an example."

JOOB has been developed with funding assistance from the Ministry of Science and Innovation and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. Jade has also received support from NZTE's Beachheads programme to enable the successful roll out of JOOB in the United States.

Mr Carter acknowledged Jade Software's continuing commitment to Christchurch in encouraging young Cantabrians to work for a globally-focussed company without them having to move away from the region.

"The development of this mobile platform demonstrates than an internationally successful technology company can go head-to head on the world stage, from New Zealand," Mr Carter says.