Product Development programme

About the Programme:

This two-week, hands-on innovation sprint will support you to turn early-stage product ideas into real, working prototypes. You’ll work in a cross-disciplinary team alongside students and staff from across the University, tackling real-world challenges inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Throughout the programme, you will gain practical experience in rapid prototyping and product development. Learn how to design, build, test, and iterate your ideas in a supportive, collaborative environment, and get access to fabrication tools, technical training, and expert mentorship.

By the end of the programme, you’ll showcase your minimum viable product (MVP) at a demonstration event, and walk away with new skills, fresh connections, and a mindset that embraces innovation, creativity, and confident problem-solving.

CIE’s programmes are free for University of Auckland students and staff. These co-curricular programmes help develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills alongside formal studies. While there are no formal assessments, participation may count towards the co-curricular recognition programme and the Distinguished Graduate Award.

Your Opportunity:

• Learn by doing: Gain practical experience in product design, prototyping, and fabrication using advanced tools (e.g. 3D printers and laser cutters) in the Unleash Space makerspace.
• Get a competitive edge: Create a working prototype or MVP that can be carried into CIE’s Ignite Innovation pre-accelerator or the Velocity $100k Challenge, providing a competitive edge in these programmes.
• Be recognised: Build a portfolio of practical work that demonstrates innovation and technical skills to future employers or investors. Your experience in the Product Development Programme could also earn you credits towards a Distinguished Graduate Award.
• Collaboration and networking: Work in diverse teams with peers from engineering, business, arts, science, and design to support creative problem-solving and interdisciplinary networking. Develop valuable industry contacts to support your entrepreneurial and professional growth.

Learning Outcomes:

• Prototyping basics: Explore technology for fabrication and visualise your solutions.
• Entrepreneurial mindset cultivation: Develop an iterative, problem-solving approach through real-world prototyping, fostering a “fail-fast, learn-fast” mentality.
• Hands-on experiential learning and early validation: Strengthen your iterative problem-solving abilities.
• Design thinking: Become familiar with Design Thinking concepts and apply them to solve problems.
• Pitching skills: Learn how to confidently present and sell your ideas.

Timing and Commitment:

• Duration: 2 weeks, part time
• Commitment: Estimated 30 hours per week

The programme will be a combination of sessions on campus at Unleash Space, 20 Symonds Street, and online sessions.

Full programme details coming soon.