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 ventures.

The $100k Challenge invites students and staff from all faculties and research centres at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, to submit a business proposal outlining 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 people who can offer advice, support and inspiration.
Win generous seed capital: Secure funding to launch your venture.
Access the Venture Lab incubator: Get further guidance and support to grow your venture.
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

$30,000 seed capital + invitation to the Venture Lab incubator programme

Second place

$20,000 seed capital + invitation to the Venture Lab incubator programme

Third place

$10,000 seed capital + invitation to the Venture Lab incubator programme

• Entries open – Tuesday 30 June 2026
• Entries close – Monday 10 August 2026 at 12pm noon

How do I start?

Not sure where to start?

One of the best ways to explore, discuss, and develop your idea is attending one or more of the workshops we run specifically for the $100k Challenge.

• $100k Networking Night
• $100k Workshop for Researchers
• $100k Workshop

You can also attend Velocity’s Entry Development Hubs to ask questions
about the challenge. No need to register – feel free to drop in anytime:

• Thursday 23 July 3-5pm
• Tuesday 4 August 3-5pm

Entry Form, Criteria and Rules

Before you submit your entry, please take some time to familiarise yourself with the following documents:

• The Entry Form, which outlines all the information you will need to
  provide
• The Judging Criteria, which our judges will use to assess your entry
• The Challenge Rules and conditions

These resources are designed to help you prepare a strong submission and
understand what to expect throughout the process. Links to each document are provided below.

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

Save the date! Join us and celebrate as we announce the winning teams of the $100k Challenge 2026!

Date: Wednesday 21 October 6-8:30pm
Location: OGGB 4

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides a world of opportunity to participants so that they can stand-out and create value through innovative careers and start-up creation.

CIE is New Zealand’s leading University entrepreneurship centre, winning 14 international awards since 2020.