Could you win $1,000?
What do I need to do?
You may have an idea to solve: a social issue, an environmental problem, exploit a market opportunity or even one based on university research.
The challenge is open to all students and staff of the University of Auckland. If you are external to the University, you can still enter if a core member of your team is a student or staff member! đ„ł
Create an entry totalling 1,000 words to showcase your idea. We’ve prepared a template below so you know just what we’re looking for. Our judges will then decide the ones displaying the potential to fly â and to award $1,000, no strings attached. You can use the prize money to advance your idea and make it a reality, or spend it any way you’d like.
The Rules
A full set of the Velocity Challenge rules can be downloaded below. It is very important that these are read and clearly understood.
Judging Process
We have multiple prizes available for each faculty and speciality prizes. Weâve asked industry experts to be our judges. Your entry will be read by at least two experts from the entrepreneurial ecosystem who form a judging group. We also have an experienced moderating panel to read every entry so we can ensure rating consistency across the judging groups. We then gather the judging groups together to decide the best entries in each prize category. Win or not, the judges are on hand at a feedback session to help you develop your innovation further.
Prize Categories
This year, the Ideas Challenge will follow an open-entry format with no category restrictions being placed on your entrepreneurial idea! With such flexibility, let your innovative-minds run wild!
Faculty Prizes
- For each of the eight faculties at The University of Auckland.
- AND for the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and the Liggins Institute.
Specialty Prize:
The specialty prize can be awarded to any entries. Make sure you tick the box next to the specialty prize in the Good Grants platform when you enter and youâll be given the chance to elaborate on why your idea is relevant to that prize.
- Medtech-iQ TÄmaki Makaurau: For an idea using technology to address New Zealandâs healthcare needs including the gap in health literacy.
Help & Inspiration
Ideas Challenge WorkshopÂ
Date: Tue 23 April, 2024
Location:Â Unleash Space
In this workshop, you’ll learn about the Problem Canvas, how to make your entry stand out to the challenge judges, plus hear tips and tricks from past participants. The Velocity team will also be around to answer specific questions about the Ideas Challenge, the entry platform, and the competition rules.
Sign up here!Â
Are you stuck? Need some valuable one on one feedback and advice? Look no further, because the Ideas Challenge Drop-In Clinics are here to help.
The clinics are your opportunity to meet face to face with one of our awesome Velocity committee members, and discuss your entry to give yourself the best chance to craft a world-class submission for the challenge.
Clinics dates will be announced as the challenge opens.
Do you need help coming up with ideas that could win you a $1000? Fill in this template to get those creative juices flowing.
Step 1: What is a problem you have faced in the past week/month ?
Staying at home means that I don’t exercise as much as I used to.
Step 2: How is that problem being solved right now ?
Online tutorials for workouts at home are available on Youtube and other MOOC websites.
Step 3: How can you solve that better ?Â
These online courses feel generic and cater to everyone, but I would like workouts and a plan catered to my personal requirements. Therefore I can have an app that asks for age, gender, height, weight, and goal requirements, and through liaising with professionals, generates a plan suited for me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone enter?
Yes, as long as a core member of your team is a current University of Auckland student or staff member, anyone can enter.
You can enter as a team or individually and best of all itâs free.
What are the judges looking for?
PDF File of the judges critera: JUDGING GUIDELINES
How are the prizes paid?
We will deposit the winnings into the bank account of the team lead. To do this, we will ask you for your bank account details the day after the Awards Ceremony. It will typically take about 4 weeks to get the funds into your account.
How do I qualify for a prize?
This year, the Ideas Challenge is an open category competition and welcomes ideas across all facets of entrepreneurship! Let them be limitless!
Faculty Prizes
- For each of the eight faculties at The University of Auckland.
- Including the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and the Liggins Institute.
Specialty Prize:
The specialty prize can be awarded to any entries. Make sure you tick the box next to the specialty prize in the Good Grants platform when you enter and youâll be given the chance to elaborate on why your idea is relevant to that prize.
- Medtech-iQ TÄmaki Makaurau: For an idea using technology to address New Zealandâs healthcare needs including the gap in health literacy.
What faculty do I have to be a part of to enter?
The Ideas challenge is open to everyone, from every faculty. We are looking for awesome and innovative ideas first and foremost, and we know these can come from anywhere.
I donât have anything to show for my idea. Can I still enter and have a shot at winning?
Of course! One of our core aims at Velocity is âturning your first class ideas into world class businessesâ. We expect early-stage ideas and donât need to see fully functional prototypes. We just need to hear about the idea!
Where can I get help on my idea?
We are running several help sessions online ranging from dial-in support sessions to a Ideas Challenge Workshop, available online and in-person. See the “Help and Inspiration” section above for more information. You’re also very welcome to get in touch with us on social media @velocityuoa, or via email: admin@velocity.auckland.ac.nz
When are the Velocity Pop In Clinic sessions?
Are you stuck? Need some valuable one on one feedback and advice? Look no further, because the Ideas Challenge Drop-In Clinics are here to help.
The clinics are your opportunity to meet face to face with one of our awesome Velocity committee members, and discuss your entry to give yourself the best chance to craft a world-class submission for the challenge.
Clinics dates TBD!
Will there be a tips and tricks workshop this year?
Yes!Â
Date: Tue 23 April, 2024
Location: Unleash Space
For more details and to register, sign up here!
Why Enter?
Feedback
You’re able to receive tailored feedback for your idea from our esteemed panel of judges â whether you win or not!
Funding
Win $1,000 to accelerate your idea, or spend it any way you like.
Experience
Come together with friends, build your very own venture, and make an impact on our world
Questions? We’re happy to help!