Ignite Innovation
Make your start-up idea a reality
Monday 14 July – Tuesday 15 July – Full day workshops
Wednesday 16 July – Half day workshop
Evening workshops – Tuesday 22 July, Tuesday 29 July, Tuesday 5 August
Applications close Sunday 22 June
About the Programme:
Got a great idea but not sure how to bring it to life? Look no further – Ignite Innovation is here to guide you from concept to creation.
This comprehensive programme is designed to help aspiring changemakers and entrepreneurs navigate the journey of transforming ideas into viable start-ups. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your vision, Ignite Innovation offers expert guidance, tailored resources, and hands-on support to help you take the next step.
Open to all current students and staff at the University of Auckland, Ignite Innovation is free to join and requires no prior experience with innovation or entrepreneurship. All you need is an idea and the passion to make it happen!
Your Opportunity:
- Learn the start-up journey: Go step-by-step from concept to creation with expert mentors and industry leaders.
- Access resources and tools: Gain everything you need to bring your idea to life.
- Build confidence: Explore your entrepreneurial potential and gain the knowledge to take your idea forward.
- Be inspired: Connect with like-minded innovators and ignite your passion for creating impact and value.
Learning Outcomes:
All of the basics of entrepreneurship, including:
- Market fit and customer insights: Define your value proposition and understand your audience.
- Problem space and pain points: Learn to articulate and validate the problem you’re solving.
- Identity and structure planning: Build the foundation for your start-up.
- Prototyping and feasibility: Take your idea from concept to something tangible.
- Funding basics: Demystify the numbers and learn how to secure support.
- Pitching and communication: Develop the skills to present your opportunity with confidence.
Programme Structure:
- Kick-Off: A 2.5-day entrepreneurial workshop covering the basics of start-up creation.
- Workshops: Over the following three weeks, attend three evening sessions focused on validating your idea, understanding your problem, and engaging with potential users.
Topics Covered:
- Product market fit and customer insights
- Understanding the problem space
- Identity and structure
- Prototyping and feasibility
- Funding basics
- Communicating your opportunity
Grand Finale:
Wrap up your journey by preparing a well-developed entry for the Velocity $100k Challenge. Winners gain seed capital, mentorship, legal advice, and a place in the Venture Lab incubator – giving you a competitive edge as you launch your venture.
Timing and Commitment:
- Programme Duration: Four weeks, plus a 2.5-day workshop to kick-start your learning.
- Commitment: Attend all evening workshops and dedicate time to building your idea.
Facilitators:
At Ignite Innovation, we understand that the path from idea to launch can be daunting. That’s why we’ve curated a unique programme tailored to the needs of aspiring entrepreneurs. Our team of experienced mentors and industry experts is dedicated to providing students, researchers, and staff with the support and guidance needed at every stage of the journey.
Deborah Shepherd
Deb is a part-time Senior Lecturer at the University, designing and delivering some of CIE’s programmes that support innovators and early-stage start-up founders. She also has roles as a board member, advisor, investor, educator, and business owner, including a board role with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), New Zealand’s international business development agency.
Deb is also Advisor to the New Zealand Government’s Minister of Small Business and Chair of Soul Capital, a social impact investment firm.
Mahesh Muralidhar
Mahesh is an entrepreneurial leader and community builder, currently focused on nurturing New Zealand’s startup ecosystem as the Founder and CEO of Phase One Ventures.
Mahesh has also been instrumental in the success of various international and New Zealand tech businesses and has over a decade of experience in strategy, product development, and organisational growth. Passionate about giving back, he supports Kiwi startups through mentorship, investment, and active community involvement.
If you have questions about the programme, please contact cie_programmes@auckland.ac.nz
About the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides a world of opportunity to participants so that they can stand out and create value through innovative careers and start-up creation.
CIE is New Zealand’s leading University entrepreneurship centre, winning 12 international awards since 2020.
EMAIL
CIE@AUCKLAND.AC.NZ
POSTAL ADDRESS
THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND BUSINESS SCHOOL
PRIVATE BAG 92019, AUCKLAND
