NEWSROOM
Alumni profile: Neil Birrell
Director | Hexacycle Limited
Inspired by an entomology paper that he took at the University of Auckland, Neil left his job in local government and started Hexacycle. Hexacycle is a start-up that aims to convert organic waste into a source of sustainable protein and oil to help feed an increasingly hungry world. Neil hopes to do this by bringing insect protein into our food chain, while reducing organic waste that is ending up in landfills.
“Being innovative and entrepreneurial is like a super power as it can change the world for the better.”
Neil found that using an entrepreneurial mindset helped to turn a problem into an opportunity. “Identifying problems and providing solutions has helped me to differentiate myself from companies overseas.”
Neil and his team won the social innovation category of the Velocity $100K Challenge in 2016. This gave them access to seed capital and mentors, which enabled them to develop their venture further.
Neil encourages students to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them during their studies. “The great thing about studying at the University of Auckland is the many opportunities you have to develop entrepreneurial skills and an innovative mindset for free. Go along to a Velocity event, join Chiasma or enrol in one of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s workshops or programmes.”
Neil Birrell graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Science.
Director | Hexacycle Limited
Inspired by an entomology paper that he took at the University of Auckland, Neil left his job in local government and started Hexacycle. Hexacycle is a start-up that aims to convert organic waste into a source of sustainable protein and oil to help feed an increasingly hungry world. Neil hopes to do this by bringing insect protein into our food chain, while reducing organic waste that is ending up in landfills.
“Being innovative and entrepreneurial is like a super power as it can change the world for the better.”
Neil found that using an entrepreneurial mindset helped to turn a problem into an opportunity. “Identifying problems and providing solutions has helped me to differentiate myself from companies overseas.”
Neil and his team won the social innovation category of the Velocity $100K Challenge in 2016. This gave them access to seed capital and mentors, which enabled them to develop their venture further.
Neil encourages students to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them during their studies. “The great thing about studying at the University of Auckland is the many opportunities you have to develop entrepreneurial skills and an innovative mindset for free. Go along to a Velocity event, join Chiasma or enrol in one of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s workshops or programmes.”
Neil Birrell graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Science.
EMAIL
CIE@AUCKLAND.AC.NZ
POSTAL ADDRESS
THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND BUSINESS SCHOOL
PRIVATE BAG 92019, AUCKLAND
