Velocity $100k Challenge

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.

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.

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.

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.

First place

$25,000 seed capital + VentureLab incubator programme

Runner-up

$15,000 seed capital + VentureLab incubator programme

Third place winner

$5,000 seed capital + VentureLab incubator programme

• Entries open – Monday 4 August 2025
• Entries close – Monday 22 September 2025 12 noon

How do I start?

Not sure where to start?

1. Read the entry template
   It will guide you on team-building, strategy, the lean business model canvas and many other aspects necessary for a solid $100k Challenge entry.
2. Come and learn from our events
   1. $100k Challenge workshop
   2. $100k Challenge networking night
3. Submit your $100k Challenge entry!

Lean canvas

The lean canvas is a one-page business model template to help you organise your ideas. Please note that any business model canvas can be used.

Velocity $100k Challenge prizegiving
Wednesday 15 October 6-8.30pm
Sir Owen G Glenn Building

Find out who the winners are of this year's Velocity $100k Challenge!

Drop-in sessions

Entry Development Hubs
Tuesday 16 September 11–1pm
Thursday 18 September 11–1pm

Do you need help with your entry or one-on-one feedback? Entry Development Hubs give you the chance to meet a Velocity committee member and discuss your $100k Challenge submission.

Drop in anytime to chat or ask questions!

Applications close at 12 noon on Monday 22 September.

Create an entry in the form of a business proposal to show how your idea could become a venture. Join our workshops to discover how to translate your idea into reality, and a panel of judges will then decide the ideas displaying the potential to fly.

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