Undergraduate and postgraduate students

Start-up Studio is CIE’s on-campus co-working space and community for early-stage founders. Applications are open throughout the semester.

This two-week, hands-on innovation sprint will support you to turn early-stage product ideas into real, working prototypes.

Get introduced to tools, frameworks, and methods, including validation and business planning basics, on 18 November 2025.

Share your start-up idea for a share of a $20,000 prize pool! Applications close 12 May.

Learn the tools, frameworks, and methods to make an idea a start-up. From 14 July–5 August (part-time). Applications close Sunday 22 June.

Enter your start-up plan to win a share of a $100,000 prize pool and kick-start your venture! Applications close at 12 noon on Monday 22 September.

Join our monthly innovative wānanga, a space to foster whakawhanaungatanga, networking, and manaakitanga. Sessions take place throughout the semester.

Sign up for a training session at one of CIE’s innovation hubs – Unleash Space or Te Ahi Hangarau. Sessions take place throughout the semester.

Meet with Kiwi companies and learn about the NZ start-up scene.

Embark on a journey of discovery with like-minded innovators and connect with inspiring Māori entrepreneurs (June–July). Applications close Sunday 4 May.

Solve real-life challenges posed by established Kiwi organisations. Monday 1 September–Friday 5 September. Applications close Sunday 17 August.

Whiua ki te Ao offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand how values, heritage, and culture have shaped these leaders’ paths. It will return in 2026.

Pasifika Talanoa 2025 has wrapped up. It will be back in 2026 – stay tuned for updates!

Careers in the Innovation Ecosystem is a four-part series designed to open your eyes to exciting, unexpected career paths you didn’t even know existed.

Be inspired at a community event celebrating local women innovators and entrepreneurs. Be there on 18 September at 6pm.