A world of opportunity for Researchers 

Ignite Innovation

Got a great idea but not sure how to bring it to life? Ignite Innovation offers expert guidance, tailored resources, and hands-on support to help you bring your commercial, social or environmental idea for a start-up to reality.

This programme requires no prior experience with innovation or entrepreneurship. If you’re passionate about creating impact, this is for you!

Ignite Innovation runs from July – August. Applications close Sunday 22 June.

Product Development 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 teams, guided by industry mentors and experienced facilitators.

Whether you're from engineering, design, business or science – if you're curious about product development, this programme will give you the practical tools to test, build, and iterate.

Runs from 1–11 July 2025 (Inter–Semester Break).

Research to Innovation Hatchery

Gain an understanding of the innovation process and the essential capabilities for knowledge mobilisation through commercialisation and entrepreneurship.

Through the Research to Innovation Hatchery, you will identify, test, and validate pathways to impact for your research, whether that be social, environmental, or commercial impact.

The Research to Innovation Hatchery is a 12-week part-time programme and runs twice per year, with April and August cohorts.

Tech Talk

Step into the world of tech innovation at Tech Talk, an engaging event led by Velocity students in collaboration with aligned clubs. Hear real stories from tech entrepreneurs and innovators who are turning cutting-edge technologies into impactful solutions.

You’ll gain insights into emerging tech trends, hear how ventures are launched and scaled, and make connections with peers and professionals who share a passion for innovation.

Tech Talk takes place on 20 August, 6–8 pm. Refreshments provided.

Venture Lab

Venture Lab is a six-month incubator designed to support early-stage founders in transforming their ventures from ideas into real-world successes.

This programme provides tailored support, expert guidance, and essential resources to help you secure your first customers and prepare for early-stage investment.

Develop critical entrepreneurial skills, and position your venture for growth and funding with the backing of CIE’s Venture Lab.

Velocity $100k Challenge

The flagship start-up competition from New Zealand’s leading university entrepreneurship development programme. Enter a venture summary for your start-up idea and industry judges will select the top teams who will win a share of a $100,000 prize pool.

Prizes include seed capital plus legal, IP and other advice from experts, an intern, and a place in the University’s Venture Lab incubator. Many researchers have been past winners of the Velocity $100k Challenge with entries that provide solutions from neurosurgery to earthquake engineering and beyond.

Applications open in August with the competition closing 12 noon on Monday 22 September.