COVID-19 disruption, microplastics disposal, pet data management and marine health are just some of the many problems tackled in this year’s Velocity Innovation Challenge competition, where participants are asked to write 1,000 words articulating their idea for a chance at one of many $1,000 prizes up for grabs.

The team behind Velocity spin-out company Tectonus were inspired to make a difference to the building industry by the devastating Christchurch earthquakes, inventing a superior damping connection. Their device self-centres following a seismic event, allowing a structure to withstand an earthquake and any following aftershocks. The technology can be applied to new or existing structures, requires no post-event maintenance and is cost-effective and compact.

Greenshell Spat Co is an aquaculture technology company set to enable the New Zealand Greenshell™ mussel industry’s $1 billion potential through the creation of mussel ‘super babies’. The venture was developed by University of Auckland PhD students Will McKay and Brad Skelton, who have commercialised their knowledge as scientists with the support of the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).

Today is the day I have been visualising for the last four years when the going got tough (which was most days if I’m honest). Thanks to ol’ mate COVID, graduation wasn’t quite the one I expected, but celebrating homemade-style with my parents and daughter sure was special. With a can-do attitude, some resources from around the house and a touch of creativity, I managed to create a truly epic and unique celebration.

A cohort of early childhood education students recently had the opportunity to expand their technology skills and flex their creative ability with the support of the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. A group of 39 students took part in workshops held at innovation hub Unleash Space, learning how to utilise the equipment to design and create early childhood education resources.

Nikau Robotics is utilising cutting edge automation technology to increase productivity for small and medium construction businesses. The team are developing a smart CNC wood router that can intake a stack of wooden panels and process them automatically to pre-cut, drill, and carve wooden panels. The machine they have designed is highly portable to enable onsite machining for fast, accurate cuts of wood without the need for external suppliers.