Global recognition for inclusive innovation education

At the 2025 Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centres (GCEC) conference, hosted by the University of Calgary, the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland was awarded a Highly Commended distinction in the category of Exceptional Activities in Entrepreneurship Across Disciplines. The award acknowledges the centre’s ongoing work to make innovation and entrepreneurial capability accessible to staff and students across all faculties.

The GCEC conference is the leading international gathering of university-based entrepreneurship centres, with hundreds in attendance. CIE was one of 12 universities awarded honours in nine categories, from more than ninety nominations, reflecting its growing global reputation and the strength of its integrated, university-wide model.

CIE Academic Director Professor Rod McNaughton and UniServices Director of Commercialisation Will Charles led the University’s delegation and were speakers at the conference. Their presentation focused on the University’s coordinated approach to venture creation and the strategic partnership between CIE and UniServices, which enables research commercialisation, staff entrepreneurship, and student start-up activity to operate within a connected innovation ecosystem.

CIE’s recognition highlights its work embedding innovation education across both curricular and co-curricular spaces, as well as its longstanding commitment to inclusion. Its free programmes reach more than 7,000 staff and students annually, and have driven participation growth among women, Māori and Pacific students.

CIE Director Darsel Keane says the award from GCEC is an affirmation of the centre’s mission.

“Innovation happens when diverse knowledge and perspectives come together. At CIE, we create accessible pathways for all students and staff, regardless of their discipline, to develop their innovative capability and apply it in meaningful ways. This international recognition affirms that inclusive innovation is not just possible, it’s powerful.”