Vanguard Entrepreneurial Leaders Expedition

Experience the epicentre of global innovation and entrepreneurship with the Vanguard Entrepreneurial Leaders Expedition.

Every year in September, a select group of entrepreneurial students from the University of Auckland embarks on a seven-day tour of Silicon Valley. This exclusive programme offers unparalleled access to the world’s most iconic companies, trailblazing start-ups, visionary investors and the thriving innovation ecosystem of San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

Highlights include visits to iconic industry leaders, a tour of Stanford University, and opportunities to engage with alumni, founders, investors and innovation labs.

This life-changing journey is made possible through the generosity of philanthropist and entrepreneur Tony Falkenstein, who passionately believes in the transformative power of business and global experiences to create positive impact.

Immerse yourself in innovation: Travel to the heart of Silicon Valley and see global entrepreneurship in action.
Connect with visionaries: Meet business leaders, founders, investors, and innovation experts who are shaping the future.
Expand your perspective: Gain insights, hear inspiring stories, and engage in conversations that will challenge and grow your thinking.
Bring ideas to life: Spark your entrepreneurial potential and return to New Zealand ready to create impact.
Stand out: Use this transformative experience to distinguish yourself personally and professionally while contributing to a better world.

Global ecosystem knowledge: Gain a deep understanding of Silicon Valley’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
New perspectives: Learn how global strategies and ideas can be applied to the New Zealand context. Reflect on the experience of meeting with entrepreneurs, executives, investors and experts in Silicon Valley and how this has shaped the participants’ views of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Vanguard Entrepreneurial Leaders Expedition is for high-achieving, entrepreneurial students at the University of Auckland. Participation is by invitation only, and after a competitive selection process, 14–16 students will be chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Eligibility

• Open to current undergraduate or postgraduate students at the University of Auckland.
• You must be enrolled in the first semester of 2025 and based in New Zealand.

Duration: One week (mid-September)
Location: San Francisco and Silicon Valley, with pre- and post-events at Unleash Space

To be eligible to participate, you must be able to commit to all interview, workshop and presentation dates.

• Applications (invite-only): Open 28 April and close 11 May
• Interviews: Week closing 26 May and week closing 2 June
• Pre-workshop 1: 28 July
• Pre-workshop 2: 11 August
• In-market study tour: 6–15 September
• Final presentation: 29 September or 6 October (TBC)

• Visits to iconic companies, start-ups, universities, and innovation labs
• Networking with University of Auckland alumni and other professionals in Silicon Valley
• Presentations on the Silicon Valley ecosystem and its relevance to New Zealand innovation
• Opportunities to reflect, share, and discuss learnings with peers

See what the 2024 Vanguard cohort got up to!

Thanks to the generosity of our philanthropists, participation costs are heavily subsidised. Students are asked to contribute $500 toward the trip.

If this cost creates a barrier, a hardship allowance is available. For a confidential conversation, please reach out to kimberley.ansell@auckland.ac.nz

Darsel Keane

Darsel is the Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). She has previously worked at The Icehouse and EverEdge IP, specializing in intellectual property and commercialisation consulting.

Her PhD research focuses on measuring an entrepreneurial mindset. Darsel has played a foundational role in establishing CIE’s programmes and building Unleash Space from the ground up.

Tony Falkenstein

The Vanguard Entrepreneurial Leaders Expedition is made possible through the generosity of philanthropist and entrepreneur Tony Falkenstein, who believes in the power of business to positively impact lives. The Onehunga-raised chief executive of Just Water is a strong advocate for business education.

“I would love to see a day where every university student would spend a semester overseas – whether at another university, working in a large company or start-up, or experiencing the collaboration of ideas in Silicon Valley. The Vanguard Entrepreneurial Leaders Expedition gives that privilege to a few and hopefully marks the start of a programme for many.”
– Tony Falkenstein

Deborah Shepherd

Dr Shepherd is a part-time senior lecturer at the University, designing and delivering CIE’s programmes that support innovators and early-stage start-up founders. She also holds roles as a board member, adviser, investor, educator, and business owner, including a board position with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), New Zealand’s international business development agency.

Deb also serves as an Adviser to the New Zealand Government’s Minister of Small Business and is Chair of Soul Capital, a social impact investment firm.

Application is by invitation only. A select group of students are invited to apply by email.

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