Velocity $100k Challenge

About the Programme:

Do you see an opportunity or a problem that needs solving?

If you’ve got an idea, Velocity wants to hear from you! The $100k Challenge is Velocity’s flagship competition, designed to turn first-class ideas into world-class businesses.

The challenge invites students and staff from all faculties and research centres at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, to submit a business proposal showcasing how their idea could become a successful venture. A panel of judges will assess the entries and select the ones ready to fly.

Your Opportunity:

• Address pressing challenges: Make a positive impact on the world.
• Build a team: Bring your idea to life with the right people.
• Connect with Aotearoa’s start-up ecosystem: Network with investors and funding sources.
• Win generous seed capital: Secure funding to launch your venture.
• Access the Venture Lab incubator: Get further support to grow your idea.
• Receive expert feedback: Learn from experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
• Support from CIE and Velocity: Gain access to networking events, drop-in sessions, and expert advice.

Learning Outcomes:

Gain hands-on problem-solving experience and develop transferable skills in:

• Problem identification and validation: Define and validate your challenge.
• Solution development and feasibility: Turn your idea into a viable concept.
• Market analysis and positioning: Understand your audience and competitors.
• Business modeling and strategy: Develop a roadmap for success.
• Pitching skills: Learn how to communicate and sell your idea.

How to Apply:

Applications close at 12 noon on Monday, 22 September.

Turn your idea into something extraordinary. Enter the Velocity $100k Challenge today!

Applications are accepted via the Good Grants platform.

Learn more

If you have questions about the programme, please contact cie_programmes@auckland.ac.nz

Reviews

“It was through CIE and Velocity that we met our Chairman and Chief Revenue Officer Bob Drummond and one of our early investors Rudi Bublitz from Flying Kiwi Angels. When you join CIE Velocity, you don’t just join to win. You learn and grow every aspect of your business and entrepreneurial life.”

Hengjie Wang, Co-founder – Kami

“I cut my teeth in the CIE Velocity programme, and still highly recommend it to anyone. You learn best by doing. The structured programme and mentorship that comes with it are both fun and rewarding. I have also benefited from excellent mentorship and advice from UniServices and within the CIE, and I continue those relationships today.”

Greg O’Grady, Co-founder & CEO – Alimetry

“The process of developing your idea into a business is more important than the idea itself, and that’s what we learned from CIE’s Velocity. Highlights for me were the mentors we got from the programme, both of whom we stay in touch with regularly, and one of our mentors is now an advisor for Cropsy.”

Leila Deljkovic, Co-founder – Cropsy Technologies

“CIE’s Velocity programme enabled us to put our company strategy down on paper. We didn’t walk away with just seed funding. It helped us create the real basis for the company and to stress test it with judges and mentors. It’s surprising how much of it still holds true today.”

Phil Thomson, Co-founder – Auror

“You will always have a next big problem that will need a big solution. It’s not enough to have one good idea, you have to have many good ideas and work hard to transform them into solutions on the path to taking something from the lab to market. Going through CIE’s Velocity, I learned that you have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, and that still holds true.”

Dr Ninna Granucci, Founder and CEO – Greenspot Technologies