Ignite Innovation

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

Already working on a start-up idea and ready to take it further? Ignite Innovation is here to help you move from early concept to real-world impact.

This programme is designed for aspiring changemakers and entrepreneurs who’ve already started shaping their idea and are ready for the next stage. Whether you’ve made progress through something like the Velocity Ideas Challenge, or begun developing your concept independently, Ignite Innovation offers the tools, mentorship, and resources to take it up a level.

This programme is not for you if you're still figuring out what your idea is. It’s for those who already have a clear concept and are ready to refine, test, and grow it into something viable.

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 you’re working on and the passion to take it further!

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.

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.

Kick-Off: An 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.

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.

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.

Dr 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, adviser, 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 Adviser to the New Zealand Government’s Minister of Small Business and Chair of Soul Capital, a social impact investment firm.

Applications close Sunday 22 June

For any inquiries, please contact cie_programmes@auckland.ac.nz