Solve It

Dive into Solve It, the fast-paced innovation sprint where your ideas meet real-world challenges posed by leading Kiwi organisations. This is your chance to think creatively, ideate boldly, and create solutions that use technology to make the world a better place.

No prior experience in technology, entrepreneurship, or business? No problem! All you need is a curious mind and a passion for creative problem-solving. Along the way, you’ll gain friends, professional contacts, and even compete for over $5,000 in cash prizes!

At the start of the programme, you’ll team up with students from across the University who, like you, are ready to make a difference. Together, you’ll tackle a challenge provided by Solve It’s professional partners, gaining insights and real-world context as you go.

CIE’s programmes are free for University of Auckland students and staff. These co-curricular programmes help develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills alongside formal studies. While there are no formal assessments, participation may count towards the co-curricular recognition programme and the Distinguished Graduate Award.

More details to be added about sponsor companies and the problems up for solution.

Solve It, your way: Learn how to stand out, create value, and set yourself up to make an impact in the future.

Find your people: Collaborate with a diverse group of students from across campus, united by a shared passion for positive change.

Build your network: Connect with mentors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and social innovators.

Learn by doing: Dive into hands-on learning by solving real-life challenges from New Zealand organisations.

Broaden your perspective: Open your mind to new insights, expand your knowledge, and discover your innovative potential.

Be recognised: Earn credits through the University’s Co-curricular Recognition Programme towards a Distinguished Graduate Award.

Entrepreneurial thinking: Understand and apply methods for creating and refining innovative ideas.

Design thinking: Demonstrate familiarity with ‘Design Thinking’ concepts and apply them to solve problems.

Prototyping basics: Explore technology for fabrication and visualise your solutions.

Pitching skills: Learn how to confidently present and sell your ideas.
Interpersonal skills: Build teamwork and communication skills to share your vision with senior leaders and stakeholders.

Collaboration and networking: Build connections with like-minded peers, fostering teamwork and a shared passion for making a positive difference in the world.

Duration: One week full-time during the mid-semester break.
Commitment: Estimated 40 hours per week.
In-person sessions: 9am-5pm Monday 1 September-Friday 5 September

At each session, we will be joined by practising innovators and entrepreneurs. Guest speakers will be advertised closer to the time.

The wānanga is supported by CIE’s Māori connections coordinator, Maru Maxwell. Maru is passionate about encouraging growth and fostering enduring connections, especially among rangatahi Māori. Te ao Māori is the foundation of all her mahi, grounding her work in cultural values and practices. In 2024, she led CIE’s inaugural Māori entrepreneurial study tour, Kurutao, a transformative experience that continues to propel her to new heights. Maru feels deeply honoured to contribute to this meaningful kaupapa.

As the coordinator for these wānanga, Maru brings a wealth of insight, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to supporting tauira on their journey. Now in her second year at the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), she fully appreciates how rewarding the innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) space is, particularly in how te ao Māori can be seamlessly woven into its fabric.

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