About ARQ Innovation
ARQ Innovation is a future- and ROI- focused L&D agency headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand. We specialise in reshaping the future of enterprise learning through innovative, immersive, and human-centred solutions that empower organisations to thrive.
With a vision to drive meaningful change and unlock potential at scale, our mission is to combine creativity, strategy, and technology to deliver transformative outcomes tailored to the unique needs of each client.
We blend creativity and strategy to deliver innovative learning solutions that transform organisations. With a focus on innovation, we design immersive, scalable, and human-centred experiences tailored to your needs. Our expertise spans the entire learning journey – from architecting ecosystems and building capabilities to delivering impactful solutions with measurable success.
To ensure the highest quality and precision in every initiative, we work with an extensive network of trusted contractors, associates, and partners. This approach enables us to bring the right expertise and resources to every project, creating impactful solutions that drive measurable results. At ARQ Innovation, we don’t just create learning experiences—we transform them.
Nirupam (Nero) Sarkar
Learning transformation, architecture and leadership
Nero's key skills include using systems and design thinking for learning, embedding agile learning practices, analysing data, and leveraging technologies like AR, VR, and AI to develop top-notch learning solutions that address complex organisational challenges.
At Air New Zealand, Nero led the Learning function during the airline's Covid rebuild phase, creating tech-driven solutions to tackle operational safety and capability requirements. He also incorporated modern instructional design workflows, piloted several learning innovation initiatives across AI and XR and led the transition of the learning function to Agile ways of working. He successfully introduced and scaled VR as a learning modality for operational training within the airline to enhance safety-critical operational capabilities while ensuring compliance with regulations.
Passionate about transforming learning for modern enterprises, Nero focuses on driving capability growth and success by leveraging modern technologies and innovation. He actively shares his insights through events, workshops, blogs, and publications. Outside of work, Nero enjoys exploring new tech, writing, playing and listening to music, and spending quality time with his family.
Simon Carter
Creative, design and innovation
Throughout his career, Simon has worked in and also led remarkable learning teams across industries such as tech, aviation, and banking, for renowned companies like Xero, Air New Zealand, Bank of New Zealand, Education Perfect, and numerous digital learning agencies. As Creative Director for Wavelength Learning, a global award-winning learning design agency, he honed his craft, driving exceptional results for clients worldwide. His work is characterised by a product-centric approach, consistently leading teams of talented learning designers, digital designers and innovators to craft exceptional solutions.
Simon’s passion lies at the intersection of technology and creativity, pushing the boundaries of digital learning with immersive solutions, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. He is dedicated to creating gamified, human-centred experiences through stunning video and animation, complex branching narratives, and user-driven storytelling. His mission is clear: to deliver innovative, dynamic, and impactful digital learning solutions that engage and empower audiences at every step of the journey.