University of Auckland students undertake a
transformative journey to Silicon Valley 

A cohort of high-potential University of Auckland students recently completed a week-long study tour of Silicon Valley. Delivered by the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), the annual programme is designed to introduce participants to the global innovation hub, providing valuable insights into start-ups, tech companies, and the world of venture capital. Funded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Falkenstein, the Vanguard Entrepreneurial Leaders Expedition offered participants a unique opportunity to explore the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Silicon Valley. 

Over the course of seven days in late August, 16 students from various disciplines were given the unique opportunity to experience the inner workings of Silicon Valley. High-potential students were invited to apply for consideration for the programme and were selected after a robust screening process. Over the course of the study tour, the cohort engaged in an intense itinerary that included visits to globally recognised companies, such as Amazon, along with meetings with founders of start-ups like Allbirds, Editco, Substack, and Plug and Play. Additionally, the students toured Stanford University’s renowned campus and delved deep into the Silicon Valley start-up ecosystem, gaining firsthand exposure to the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the region. 

Bioscience Enterprise student Marika van der Voorn says “Experiencing the fast-paced hustle of San Francisco is unlike anything I could have imagined. The culture of the people and the society seeps from every nook and cranny until you are entrenched in it. It is fast-paced, exciting, and so valuable to receive that experience.” 

Commerce and Global Studies student Rebecca Clapp reflects “The Vanguard Programme is something I will never forget and keep with me for the rest of my life. It has been incredibly pivotal in my entrepreneurial journey, opening my eyes to a world I’m only just beginning to make sense of.” 

Falkenstein, whose vision for the programme is rooted in his belief in the transformative power of business education, accompanied the students this year. His commitment to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders is evident in his ongoing support of the Vanguard Programme, an initiative he describes as offering “an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world’s most innovative business hub, an experience that they can then bring back to New Zealand to help shape our own entrepreneurial landscape.” 

The programme highlighted Silicon Valley’s culture of challenging limiting beliefs and embracing failure as a natural part of the entrepreneurial process, with an attitude of fail fast, learn faster. It also showcased the importance of networking and building connections. Through interactions with industry leaders and successful alumni, students received practical advice on navigating both the New Zealand and international entrepreneurial landscapes, enhancing their understanding of how to leverage their experiences for future success. 

As the driving force behind the Vanguard Programme, Tony Falkenstein hopes that the programme’s ripple effects will extend beyond the immediate cohort, ultimately contributing to a more robust and interconnected network of innovators in New Zealand. “I would love to see a day where every university student would spend a semester overseas, whether it be experiencing another university, working in a large company or start-up, or seeing the collaboration of ideas in Silicon Valley. The Vanguard Entrepreneurial Leaders Expedition gives that privilege to a few, and hopefully the start of a programme for many,” says Falkenstein. 

CIE Director Darsel Keane says “This is the third iteration of this extraordinary Vanguard programme. Each cohort leaves energised and asked to work out a way to pay forward this gift of an opportunity by sharing their new knowledge, networks and skills with others. We’re very grateful for Tony’s generosity and look forward to working with him to plan our 2025 expedition.”