Dr Haruna Suzuki-Kerr is a researcher at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, who is on a mission to revolutionise hearing care—translating cutting-edge research into real-world solutions.

By claiming workplaces need to “man up”, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is ignoring one of the biggest untapped opportunities for economic growth – women entrepreneurs.

Most New Zealanders revel in the country’s existence as an island nation, regularly enjoying our beaches. However, how many people know of our oceans’ economic potential?

New Zealand must prepare for the long game if it is serious about fostering a world-class innovation ecosystem.

As long as Kiwi students don’t see entrepreneurship as a viable career path, we’ll continue to export great ideas from our best only to see them commercialised elsewhere.

Cullen Tran is this year’s CEO of the Velocity entrepreneurship development programme. Cullen is responsible for leading a committee of student volunteers who organise a year-long programme of competitions, inspirational seminars and workshops for the benefit of hundreds of University of Auckland students and staff.

New Zealand’s science system is undergoing its biggest transformation in over 30 years.

Founder Shaun Seaman is on a mission to eliminate non-recyclable plastics from the environment – and redefine sustainability.

How does New Zealand’s leading innovation and entrepreneurship centre stay truly innovative? By ensuring that its talented staff are constantly benchmarking internationally and developing new knowledge and capability.

In hospitals, where every second counts, ensuring optimal staffing is critical. Enter RosterLab, a start-up that is redefining workforce management through AI-driven rostering solutions that balance complex variables—union rules, employee preferences, and operational needs—to improve healthcare efficiency and staff well-being.