Innovators shine at the University of Auckland Blues Awards

Blues Awards are a university tradition that originated in England. The blue colours of Oxford and Cambridge universities came to symbolise sporting excellence, and the tradition migrated to New Zealand, where many universities have adopted the recognition and reward system.

At the University of Auckland, Blues Awards have evolved to recognise excellence in other fields, such as Arts and Culture and Service and Leadership.

In 2019, an Innovation category was introduced. Awards were presented at a glamorous awards event held in the University’s graduation marquee, hosted by TV presenter Wendy Petrie.

The recipient of the overall Innovation category award was handed a bespoke illuminated trophy made at the University’s innovation hub and maker space.

Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Wendy Kerr, says, “Having innovation recognised as a pursuit in the same class as elite sports and leadership is a testament to the work of the University of Auckland in providing comprehensive support for these students."

Innovation Blues Awards applications were reviewed by a panel. Finalists were chosen for an outstanding achievement in innovation that had created or enhanced a product, process or system which provides an effective solution to a challenging issue.

This could have been in a social, environmental, technological or commercial context. Applications came from students of all study disciplines for an astonishing variety of achievements.

The overall winner for the Innovation category was Rebecca Jelley, a Science student who co-founded the Ultimate Bowls Championship as a way to revitalise the sport of lawn bowls.

Rebecca introduced a new format that allowed scoring off every bowl and increased the speed of the game. She also made technological improvements through the use of LED screens and tablets for umpires. The company’s first event this year attracted over one million television viewers from around the world.

Anne-Marie Parsons, Associate Director, Campus Life (Student Engagement and Wellbeing), says, “The continual growth of the Centre for Innovation, and the opening of the Unleash Space in 2018, helped students to produce some truly exceptional and innovative work.

"Innovation is an increasingly important area of focus for the University, and it is important that we recognise student achievement in this space in a formal way.

"The new Innovation category at this year’s Blues Awards looked to do just this by honouring individuals and groups who provided creative solutions to challenging issues in an innovative or commercial way.”

• Amaan Merchant – Global Microfinance Competition

• Anzel Signh – Socius

• Arash Tayebi – Kara Technologies

• Arianna Bacic – Loyaltrees

• Benjamin Jonathan Seto – EY Asia-Pacific Cyber Case Competition, Trans-Tasman Case Competition

• Christopher Walker – Electroclear Ltd

• Connor Talbot – ProsthetiX

• Emma Kerr – Chulalongkorn International Case Competition

• Henry Frear – Loyaltrees

• Kendall Wu – National Strategy Consulting Competition

• Matthew Canham – Geemo

• Noel D’Souza – EY Asia-Pacific Cyber Case Competition

• Patrin Illenberger – Electroclear Ltd

• Rebecca Jelley – Ultimate Bowls

• Sara Marseden – EY Asia-Pacific Cyber Case Competition

• Sarah Mwashomah – Socius

• Sulin Phee – EY Asia-Pacific Cyber Case Competition

• Winnie Chau – Trans-Tasman Case Competition

• Yan Li (Jenny) Liu – Global Microfinance Competition

• Ziyi (Jacky) Zheng – Pataka Project