Start-up Interns

Step into the fast-paced world of start-ups and get paid while you learn.

Over four months, part-time, you’ll support one of the exciting early-stage ventures being developed through the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Venture Lab incubator. This is hands-on experience that goes beyond theory – a chance to see innovation in action.

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.

Grow your network: Connect with start-ups, mentors, and the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Learn by doing: Gain practical, hands-on experience you can’t get in a classroom.
Get paid! Earn $24.86 an hour while building your skills and knowledge.
Boost your CV: Receive formal recognition through the University’s Co-curricular Recognition Programme and earn credits towards the Distinguished Graduate Award.
Recruitment experience: Get practice learning how to stand out from the crowd and impress in the interview.
Team vibes: Join a small, tight-knit team where collaboration and grit drive results.

Practical skills: Build valuable skills and experience to power up your future career.
Entrepreneurial mindset: Understand the start-up world and develop a can-do, innovative approach.
Real-world insights: See what it takes to turn ideas into reality and navigate the start-up journey.

Duration: May to July
Hours: Approximately 8 hours per week (130 hours total)
Flexibility: Workdays, times and location are set between you and the start-up.

“The internship has shown me the things I like to do and the things I don’t like to do. This is extremely valuable to me, as it taught me more about myself and has allowed me to create an even clearer path for what I want in the future.”

Kyle de Thier, Bachelor of Commerce student, interned at Fistbump

“The internship was not solely a coding all-day-long experience. I was also encouraged to attend the mentor meetings with VentureLab Manager Ken Erskine. These weekly meetings have given me such wonderful insights on how to tackle problems in the real world and really made me feel like an integral part of the PrintGig team.

The most valuable lesson I have learned during my internship is that it is not just about being the best but bringing out the best in others that makes a team successful. And I believe it is these learnings that have shaped me into a better professional.”

Simran Nayak, Master of Information Technology student, interned at PrintGig

“One of the benefits of working at a start-up is that there is no hierarchy, so it’s been easy for me to leave my comfort zone by not just focusing on the technical side of the business. I’ll be continuing my internship at Delta Waterways, and my role will be to further develop, validate, and improve the water quality algorithms so that we can successfully complete our upcoming trial run with the regional councils.”

Nicholas Lee, Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) student, interned at Delta Waterways

“I plan to finish my studies this year and join the workforce in the area of international trade and foreign affairs. The market analysis role has better equipped me in the international trade space, which I am grateful for. The connections I made and the warm working environment we created were the highlight of my experience and will hopefully be connections that endure even after the internship’s completion.”

Max Johansson-Pugh, Bachelor of Commerce and Arts student, interned at SuperCarbon

Applications close on 16 March at 11:59pm. To apply for this opportunity, you will need to provide your CV and a short video (optional). This is your chance to experience innovation in action – don’t miss out!

Selected applicants are invited to interview with the start-ups, which will select their preferred candidate. Please feel free to apply for more than one internship.

Please note: You do NOT need to meet ALL of the requirements to apply.

Align

Align is an AI digital tool designed for GPs. Using Gen-AI, it gathers patient information and produces a summary for consultations.

Skills required

1. Full stack development
2. Mobile app development
3. Software development best practices
4. Software Engineering degree (or equivalent)
5. Exposure to cloud technologies
6. Interest in healthcare

AMES

Harnessing wave energy for sustainable power solutions in aquafarms.

Skills required

1. Electronics/Electrical Engineering student
2. Exposure to electronic components
3. Arduino programming
4. PCB manufacture
5. Practical skills, e.g. 3D printing
6. Interest in marine renewable energy

MoveInsight

An AI-powered badminton training app for motion analysis and injury prevention.

Skills required

1. App development
2. API integration
3. Camera-based motion tracking
4. Motion tracking models
5. Interest in sports

ROSS

An AI-powered troubleshooting platform for food and beverage manufacturing.

Skills required

1. Nextjs, Typescript, React, Tailwind CSS
2. Experience in group software development
3. Backend Typescript frameworks
4. AI/ML knowledge
5. Interest in manufacturing/factories
6. Desire to work in start-ups long-term

RAPIDOSE

A medical tool for pediatric resuscitation, ensuring fast and accurate medication dosing.

Skills required

1. 3D/2D graphics animation
2. Video editing software
3. Interest in medical devices
4. Statistical analysis
5. Poster and banner design

QuickMas

A rapid diagnostic tool combating antibiotic resistance in dairy cattle.

Skills required

1. Wet lab experience
2. Data entry
3. Problem-solving with software/hardware
4. Interest in medical devices
5. Statistics and bioinformatics
6. Interest in dairy/animal welfare

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