Start-ups reach for the stars – literally – in $100k Challenge

From space optics to AI-assisted IVF, the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Velocity $100k Challenge is fuelling the next generation of innovators.

First place, $25,000 and support from the start-up incubator Venture Lab, went to the team behind an IVF support tool powered by artificial intelligence.

Developed with Fertility Associates, the tool uses multimodal data and cycle analysis to rank embryos, reducing transfers and costs. It supports imaging and aims to improve pregnancy outcomes and patient experiences.

University of Auckland doctoral candidate Hooman Misaghi, one of three researchers behind the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) support tool, says the initial concept was developed by his supervisors in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, senior lecturers Dr Lynsey Cree and Dr Nicholas Knowlton, who received MBIE Smart Ideas funding to explore work within the area.

Later, the project evolved into the core of Misaghi's PhD research.

Since then, the trio has advanced the original idea into an active development, building and innovating new deep learning systems for embryo assessment.

Throughout the project, Misaghi says he's met many individuals and couples who have gone through IVF.

"Hearing their stories and understanding the emotional and physical challenges they face has been deeply motivating and has reinforced the importance of improving outcomes in this field."

IVF is one of the most common fertility treatments. It involves fertilising eggs outside the body and selecting one embryo to transfer in hopes of achieving pregnancy. However, the process still relies heavily on visual assessment of embryo images and videos, a method that's subjective and prone to variability.

Misaghi says the team's goal is to bring objectivity and precision to this step by applying deep learning models that can analyse embryos and how they change and develop over time. This will support embryologists in making more informed decisions, improving IVF success rates.

"We're incredibly excited and grateful to have been selected as Velocity winners,” he says. “This recognition reinforces our belief in the potential impact of our work, and we're looking forward to using this opportunity to move closer to commercialising the technology.

"Our next focus is on building a user-friendly interface to make the system accessible to clinics for testing and feedback.”

Another significant step for the team will be to collaborate closely with IVF clinics to test and refine the system in real-world settings.

"We aim to integrate clinical feedback, improve usability, and validate the model's performance to ensure it meets regulatory and practical requirements before broader deployment."

Runner-up in the $100k Challenge was awarded to Deployable Space Optics ($15,000). This team is working on a compact, lightweight telescopic baffle designed to boost satellite imaging and cut launch costs.

Led by Professor Guglielmo Aglietti and supported by engineers Mark Honeth and Dr Mattia Longato, all from Te Punaha Atea, Auckland Space Institute, the team has a wealth of experience in aerospace structures and mechanisms, space start-ups, mechatronic engineering, structural dynamics analysis, and precision machining.

Dr Longato, who recently completed his PhD at the University of Auckland, says space-based optical instruments face significant challenges, including environmental disturbances that can severely compromise their imaging capabilities from space.

A baffle, he says, is a ring, often made of plastic or aluminium, attached inside a telescope’s tube to block stray light. 

"Stray light entering from outside the telescope's intended field of view represents one of the most critical threats to optical performance in orbit. When uncontrolled, this unwanted illumination creates noise, reduces contrast, and can render imaging datasets unusable for scientific or commercial applications."

The main solution employed across the industry is a baffle system, however, current baffle designs are predominantly rigid structures that create substantial constraints during launch, says Longato.

"The current space market needs a deployable technology capable of reducing the size of the telescope structure during launch to significantly lower launch costs. It also needs to maintain or enhance stray-light suppression performance once deployed and operational in orbit. And this is what we're working towards."

On waking up the day after the Velocity $100k winners were announced, Longato felt inspired.

"This morning is a new day for our mechanical team! We worked so hard to make our mechanism work, and it feels incredibly rewarding,” he said. “Winning this competition is not just about financial support, it's also a strong validation for us that people believe in our idea and it can actually work in the real world (not just in our labs)."

Longato says the funding will take the team towards the next step in bringing their deployable technology into the global market.

"One of our biggest deployable telescopic baffles prototypes is going to be launched very, very soon, and we can't wait to see our mechanism operating in orbit. Fingers crossed!" 

Third place and $5k went to the team behind Pollsport. The interactive app lets viewers play live prediction games during sports broadcasts, winning prizes from sponsors.

Team member, undergraduate engineering and science student Kazi Sharjil, says Pollsport lets viewers play a Kahoot-style game with their friends during live sports. They can scan a QR code, answer rapid-fire questions in real time, see live results, earn points, and climb leaderboards for prizes from sponsors.

Along with the financial support for their start-up, the team is excited to benefit from joining Venture Lab, a five-month incubator programme offered by the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). This programme provides tailored support, guidance, and resources to help secure customers and prepare for early-stage investment.

This year’s Velocity Challenge saw more entries than ever before in its 22-year history. CIE Director Darsel Keane says in future, there's potential for the Challenge to get even bigger.

"On top of the cash prizes, each of the winners receives a place on a five-month incubator, legal advice, a $10,000 stipend during their time in the incubator and other support. The value is well over $100,000, but until we add a bit more, we're not quite ready to rename it the Velocity $200k Challenge. If anyone wants to contribute, we're open to conversations!"

Keane also noted in her speech that being a finalist is just as much a mark of success as winning, and emphasised to everyone who participated: don't give up.

“Among this year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year winners were the founders of fast-growing ventures Kami and Moodi. Both were finalists in Velocity but didn’t win. Yet, they still say participating in Velocity was an important part of their entrepreneurial journey. Our CIE team will be in touch with all our finalists to let you know about how we can further support you."