Velocity Ideas Challenge

Applications close: Monday 11 May 2026, at midday

Do you have an idea to solve a social issue, tackle an environmental problem, or seize a market opportunity? Maybe your idea is inspired by university research?

Submit an entry of up to 1,000 words showcasing your solution for the chance to win $1,000! Open to all students and staff at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, this challenge is designed to ignite innovation and celebrate fresh thinking.

Our judges are on the lookout for ideas with the potential to fly. Winners receive a cash prize – no strings attached. Use it to develop your idea, kickstart your venture, or however you choose!

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.

If you’re external to the University, don’t worry – you can still enter as long as a lead applicant of your team is a University of Auckland student or staff member.

Problem identification and validation: Develop skills in identifying real-world challenges and validating solutions.

Communicating ideas effectively: Learn how to present your idea in a clear and persuasive way that communicates your vision.

Industry expert feedback: Your entry will be reviewed by at least two industry experts from the entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a moderating panel ensuring rigorous review. Regardless of the outcome, you’ll receive feedback and advice to refine your idea further.

The chance to win $1,000! With faculty-specific prizes and speciality categories, there are 20 chances to win!

Faculty prizes

The Ideas Challenge is open to everyone from every faculty of the University of Auckland. We are looking for impactful and innovative ideas first and foremost, and we know these can come from anywhere.

Each of the six faculties, as well as  the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and the Liggins Institute, will recognise the top entries submitted by their students and staff.

Specialty prizes

You may also qualify for a specialty prize. When you submit your entry, tick the box next to the specialty prize. You can then elaborate on why your idea is relevant to that prize.

Medtech-iQ Tāmaki Makaurau

For an idea using technology to address New Zealand’s healthcare needs including the gap in health literacy.

Fetu’una’i Award

For an idea that uses innovation to uplift and empower Pacific communities, drawing on cultural knowledge, local resources, and creative thinking to address social, environmental, or health challenges.

The Kura Roa Award

This award embodies the ethos 'Kia whakamana i a tātou', acknowledging, maintaining and restoring the mana and tapu of all. It represents our interactions with each other and our taiao. Our tūpuna traversed the moana and whenua, innovating and adapting to all challenges placed in front of them with the future in mind. This award is for ideas that continue this tradition of innovation and creativity, that enhance our interactions with our environment and each other.

Ideas Challenge Workshop 1: Connect and Collaborate

Do you have the seeds of a great idea but aren't sure how to develop it further? Or perhaps you're looking for that missing spark to get started? Join us for a fast-paced, interactive workshop designed to kickstart your journey in the Ideas Challenge.

Whether you’re an experienced innovator or just curious about how to solve real-world problems, this session is your step to success.

Dates: Thursday 23 April 2026, 5-7pm
Location: Kura Matahuna | Unleash Space

Ideas Challenge Workshop 2: Polish Your Idea

This second workshop in the Ideas Challenge series is all about polishing your idea! We’re here to increase your understanding and help you gain the confidence to craft a submission that captures attention and meets the mark in the eye of the judges.

If you’re looking to turn your rough draft into a standout entry, this is the session you can’t afford to miss!

Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026, 5–7pm
Location: Kura Matahuna | Unleash Space

Entry Development Hub

Do you need any help with your entry? Want some valuable one on one feedback and advice? Look no further, because we’re running Entry Development Hubs to help you!

These sessions are your opportunity to meet face to face with one of our Velocity committee members and discuss your entry to give yourself the best chance to do your idea justice through a strong submission.

Dates: 27 April 1-3pm and 5 May 3-5pm
Location: Kura Matahuna | Unleash Space
Drop in anytime to chat with us or ask questions!

Our judges are looking for entries with strong potential for success, based on innovation, market understanding, combination of skills, and venture potential.

All entries are reviewed by a panel of experienced judges from across the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each submission is assessed by at least two judges, along with a moderating panel to ensure consistency and fairness throughout the process.

Once initial evaluations are complete, the judging groups come together to select the top entries in each prize category.

Whether or not you get a prize, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a feedback session where our judges will share valuable insights to help you refine your idea and take it even further.

If you have questions about the programme, please contact CIE Programme Adviser Liudmyla Beraud l.beraud@auckland.ac.nz

Your idea could be the next big thing. Share it today and win!

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.