It’s fair to say that tech entrepreneur and new CIE mentor Mike Evans has covered a lot of ground in his 25-year career – both literally and figuratively. Since graduating with a BCom/BSc in Computer Science and Management Information Systems from the University of Auckland Business School in 1997, Mike has worked in Auckland, London, Brussels, and Los Angeles in roles that ranged from a contract programming position with the European Commission to his most recent role as Senior Manager of Platform Products at Snap Inc (the parent company of Snapchat).

Hydroxsys is a New Zealand CleanTech company tackling a huge global problem. Predictions estimate that global demand for freshwater will outstrip supply by 40% before the end of this decade, and primary industries such as agriculture and horticulture are identified as the main culprits in the water crisis. Hydroxsys is embracing the challenge to provide a more sustainable solution with aspirations to recover and reuse one billion cubic metres of water within 20 years with their innovative membrane technology. Kariappa Maletira Karumbaiah, General Manager of Operations at Hydroxsys, believes that sustainable practices are both a corporate responsibility and a pathway to lasting success and by embracing innovation and taking calculated risks, New Zealand can create a greener and more resilient future.

Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland has launched a brand-new researcher hatchery that will enable researchers to identify new ways to make an exponential societal or commercial impact through their research.

The University of Auckland’s Venture Lab incubator programme continues to nurture and support aspiring entrepreneurs, as the latest cohort wraps up their six-month experience with great success. Their learnings were shared at a recent showcase event held for the University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Navigating different markets with different healthcare systems can be challenging. Duncan Cunninghame, Vice President of Business Development at The Insides Company, is helping to chart the course in the complex European market and is driven by an entrepreneurial mindset to deliver health impact at scale.

Danny Garg’s mind has always raced to solve problems ever since he was a child. It was this creative energy that helped fuel Danny to build his thriving business, Valka Yoga, selling sustainable, functional yoga mats and accessories. With over 20,000 yoga mats sold so far, Danny is committed to his company’s goal of producing ‘the most eco-friendly yoga mat in the world’. Valka Yoga proudly proclaims the title of ‘New Zealand’s leading supplier of ethically and sustainably sourced yoga mats and accessories’ and is making gains in the Australian market. Now, Danny has his sights set on the United States of America.

Avantika Gupta has her eyes firmly set on the future; as a vice president of the investment team at Type One Ventures, Avantika works daily with innovative ideas and forward-focused founders and is optimistic that innovation and entrepreneurship are the keys to creating a better future for all humanity.  

Dr Simon Malpas, the CEO and founder of Kitea Health and Professor of Physiology and Bioengineering at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, recently shared his insights on raising capital and emphasised the importance of investing in innovation for New Zealand's economic growth and resilience.

The Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) recently welcomed 200 Māori and Pacific Year 10 students participating in the Mānawa Mai Future Me programme delivered by Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. Future Me aims to inspire and inform Pacific and Māori young people about options within higher education. Students participated in workshops hosted in CIE’s two innovation hubs, designed to showcase how technology can support innovation and creativity.

Andrew Chen, University of Auckland Research Fellow at Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures and Venture Partner at Matū Group, says stepping into the mind of investors can help founders increase the likelihood of developing a connection and securing funding.