Innovative capability set to shine at Auckland Startup Week

Auckland is set to host its first-ever Startup Week, from 20-24 October, bringing together founders, investors, researchers, and policy leaders for a landmark celebration of innovation. Developed by Auckland Council, the week will highlight the city’s growing role on the global innovation stage.

The University of Auckland and UniServices are sponsors of this inaugural event. Through UniServices, the University’s commercialisation arm, and the Newmarket Innovation Precinct, a hub uniting scientists, engineers, founders, and investors, the University is opening doors and networks to help accelerate new ideas and ventures.

Dr Greg Murison, UniServices CEO and the University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor Innovation and Enterprise, says Auckland Startup Week will give the University of Auckland the opportunity to showcase our role in the innovation ecosystem along with our investment and entrepreneurial capability.

The University’s contribution to the innovation ecosystem is seen in its long-term outcomes. Ventures by University of Auckland alumni have raised over $5 billion in capital and created hundreds of jobs. The University leads Australasia in university commercialisation performance, and initiatives like MedTech-iQ Aotearoa and the New Zealand Product Accelerator are further strengthening national capability.

With a strong foundation of ventures from a globally ranked university, and a vibrant startup scene, Auckland Startup Week will showcase world-class innovation, investment-ready ventures, and the people shaping the future.

With most sessions free to attend, the week is aimed at building new connections and creating visibility for early-stage companies, as well as strengthening Auckland’s position on the global innovation map.
As part of Startup Week, we are supporting:

21 October: 9am – 11am
Newmarket Innovation Precinct tour

The Newmarket Innovation Precinct will open its doors for a guided tour, giving visitors the chance to go behind the scenes of world-class facilities and meet the people building new ventures from cutting-edge research. The tour is designed to show how science, entrepreneurship and industry are converging to solve real-world problems.

22 October: 9am – 3pm
Nexus Summit

Nexus brings together early and mid-career professionals working in research commercialisation. A programme of speakers, workshops and panels will focus on building capability in a sector that is critical to transforming research into products, services and companies that deliver public benefit. UniServices team members are active drivers of this fun event now in its third year.

23 October: 4pm – 6.30pm
UniServices Investment Showcase

UniServices’ Investment Showcase highlights the groundbreaking ventures transforming university research into real-world impact. Featured companies will deliver quick-fire pitches at this dynamic event that brings together University spinout founders, investors, and partners for an evening of inspiration and connection. The showcase will be held at Unleash Space, the innovation hub run by the University of Auckland Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).