Wellington's Creative Tech Activate is an 8-week pre-accelerator program designed for founders at the idea stage who are building the next generation of tools, platforms, and infrastructure that power the creative industries. The initiative supports participants in validating their concepts, developing early prototypes or actionable technology roadmaps, and connecting with initial customers and partners. Leveraging a rich ecosystem of mentors and industry leaders, the program aims to foster the growth of new creative tech startups.
Program Details
• Program Name: Creative Tech Activate
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Dates: 2 April to 28 May
• Focus: A pre-accelerator for idea-stage creative tech founders in areas such as arts, design, storytelling, music, digital tech, and software tools.
• Objectives: To help founders validate their concept, build a technology roadmap, and connect with New Zealand’s Creative Tech ecosystem, preparing them for larger accelerator programs.
• Format: A flexible, hybrid delivery model featuring an in-person kick-off, weekly online sessions, and continuous support.
• Time Commitment: Approximately 10 hours per week, which includes about 3 hours of live workshops and peer sessions, and 7 hours of independent work.
• Cost: Participation is free, with support from WellingtonNZ and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Program Benefits
• Build with Support: Participate for free and receive guidance to develop your creative technology.
• Entrepreneurial Foundations: Learn how to translate an idea into a tangible, real-world impact.
• Idea Acceleration: Develop a clear, actionable technology roadmap to navigate early stages and shorten feedback loops.
• Market Validation: Conduct hands-on customer discovery and market mapping to ensure the solution addresses a genuine demand.
• Expert-Led Innovation: Engage in weekly workshops with innovation specialists and expert guests, applying frameworks designed for impactful Creative Tech innovation.
• Cohort Connection: Build lasting connections with a peer group of creative tech founders to share knowledge, challenges, and successes.
Support and Curriculum
• Structured Curriculum: Covers key startup principles including entrepreneurial mindset, pitching fundamentals, problem definition, customer discovery, market mapping, and Creative Tech roadmapping.
• Resources: Access to toolkits, templates, and AI tools.
• Expert Access: Sessions with guest speakers and expert advisors.
• Peer Accountability: Formation of peer squads to maintain momentum and accountability.
• Physical Space: Optional co-working space available in Wellington for participants.
Eligibility and Focus Areas
• Target Audience: The program is for founders and teams at an idea stage, including those with an early-stage concept, a prototype, or their first customers, who are aiming to build scalable and investable businesses.
• Definition of Creative Tech: The focus is on technology that enables creativity at scale by applying software, hardware, and digital tools to solve commercial problems across creative industries.
• Eligible Fields: Examples include tools for game and media production, tech for digital entertainment sectors, immersive and visual tech (VFX, AR/VR), applications for creating and monetizing digital content, tech for enhancing interactive experiences, and digital tools for capturing and enhancing physical products.
• Ineligible Categories: The program does not support teams making indie games, film and media productions, or music bands and albums, as these are covered by other specialized entities like CODE NZ, NZ Film Commission, and NZ on Air. However, applications from professionals in these fields with ideas for scalable software or hardware tools are considered.
This program offers a unique opportunity for early-stage founders to test, refine, and advance their creative tech ideas within a supportive and structured environment. By providing foundational business knowledge, industry connections, and a clear development path, Creative Tech Activate equips participants with the necessary tools to prepare for the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.