NEWSROOM

Staff Profile: Matt Broughton, Unleash Space Venue Coordinator

12 November 2021

Unleash Space is the University of Auckland’s vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship hub, run by the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). It offers workshops, a bookable meeting room, brainstorming spaces, experts and inspiration for your projects and ventures. Ensuring that the space is ready to help students and staff unleash their potential is Unleash Space Venue Coordinator Matt Broughton.

Tell us a little about your background and how you ended up at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

I first came to theUniversity of Auckland in 2014 to study a Bachelor of Arts. I bounced around a few different majors including Music and Psychology but I eventually graduated with majors in Māori Studies and Philosophy. After spending some time travelling, I returned to UoA at the end of 2018 to study a Master of Management in Business Specialisation. I wanted to add something to my education that I could take into the real world, and this is where I first learnt in-depth about concepts like innovation and entrepreneurship.

After that, I put my management skills to the test by managing a retail clothing store. However, I quickly realised that it wasn’t where I wanted to be. I set my sights on something more meaningful and applied for a job at CIE hoping to apply all I’ve learnt through school and work experience to something new.

What drew you to this role at CIE?

Having studied at the Business School, I was interested in using what I’d learned in a practical way. I’ve also always been interested in working in education, and I felt that CIE was the perfect balance between education and professional work. I am really excited to use my skills and knowledge to help students create new ideas and businesses and to facilitate all the great events that will allow that. I also had great experiences as a student at the University of Auckland, so it was an easy choice to come back and help other students that come after me.

What does being the Venue Coordinator involve?

As the Venue Coordinator, I have ownership of the space’s facility operations to make sure that all the events, programmes, and curricular activities that are held in Unleash Space go smoothly. If you are wanting to use Unleash Space to host an Innovation and Entrepreneurship event or wish to book a meeting room, I will be the one to help you with that. This means that you will find me on site most days and I am more than happy to help with any questions or enquiries you may have about what we do. Don’t be afraid to come in and ask!

Tell us a bit about the support, opportunities and experiences that Unleash Space offers students and staff.

Unleash Space is open to all students and staff no matter what degree you’re studying or which faculty you belong to. We hold plenty of workshops that teach you the basics to help bring your ideas to life, using things such as the laser cutter, 3D printers, and even VR painting! We also host many programmes such as Summer Lab, Velocity, and Start-Up Studio. I would encourage everyone to have a look at our website and see how we can support you best.

When you’re not working, what would we find you doing?

You will probably find me watching or playing sports, music, or video games! I am an avid Blues supporter, so more than likely I will be at Eden Park watching a game. I also play indoor cricket and follow soccer and baseball. I can play multiple instruments and played in bands back in my undergrad years. Music was always my first love!

What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?

A good pair of hiking boots, a sleeping bag, and a fishing rod. Very practical!

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

Getting into Unleash Space in person! I have been working from home since I got this role so I am mostly just excited to properly get started and do some good work. There are so many awesome events planned for Unleash Space in 2022 and I am really excited to have everyone there, see what they create in the maker space, and watch start-up ideas come to life.