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A five-day festival is expected to help kick-start innovative business ideas in the Super City.
Auckland Startup Week (October 12–16, GridAKL, Wynyard Quarter) will connect startup founders with industry experts.
The festival is presented by Auckland Council’s Economic Development Office in association with investment firms, research institutes, universities and corporates. It is intended to help position Auckland as a centre of tech and innovation, the office’s Pam Ford confirms.
“Auckland Startup Week is a chance to shine a light on entrepreneurs and celebrate ingenuity,” she says.
“We want all participants to succeed – whether it’s someone who’s curious about making that smart idea of theirs a reality, someone else who wants to take their business to the next level, or an angel or institutional investor who is looking for the next big thing.”
Last year’s festival showcased 135 startups to more than 4000 attendees at 32 events across 10 venues.
This year’s theme, ‘the rebellion in our DNA,’ encourages participants to challenge established markets and explore new possibilities.
The future of Auckland is being built by bold ideas of local entrepreneurs, mayor Wayne Brown says.
“These are our creators and risk-takers who put their careers on the line to found companies to solve the problems of today. They’re worth celebrating, and most people don’t even know they’re here,” he says. “Auckland Startup Week [is] part of our work to make Auckland the tech and innovation hub of the South Pacific.”
This year’s speakers include Facebook Marketplace founder, Bowen Pan, and influential entrepreneur Derek Handley, with further names to be announced.
Most of the festival’s events – including workshops, pitch competitions and networking sessions – will be free to attend.
Business founders keen to take part must apply before September 3. Additional information is accessible via aucklandstartupweek.com.
