The University of Auckland’s Start-up Incubator programmeThe University of Auckland’s Start-up Incubator programme
Sector AgnosticPre-seed

Venture Lab: The University of Auckland’s Start-up Incubator

Accelerate your venture with a four-to-five-month pre-seed programme designed for high-potential start-ups.

Organizer: Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Auckland (CIE)
Deadline: February 1, 2026 (in 19 days)
Category: Incubator
Country: New Zealand
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Venture Lab is an intensive four-to-five-month incubator programme facilitated by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at the University of Auckland. This pre-seed initiative is specifically structured to transition early-stage ventures into the next phase of development by providing tailored resources and professional guidance. The programme focuses on assisting founders in securing their initial customer base and preparing the necessary foundations for early-stage investment. As a co-curricular offering, it is available to University of Auckland students and staff at no cost, allowing them to develop entrepreneurial capabilities alongside their formal academic or professional commitments.

Core Programme Benefits

  • Dedicated mentoring and step-by-step guidance from experienced venture leads.
  • Access to venture development funding, which is unlocked upon the successful achievement of specific milestones.
  • Specialized workshops and advisory sessions designed to navigate the complexities of start-up growth.
  • Facilitated connections with industry leaders, the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem, and potential investors.
  • Provision of both mental and physical space dedicated to the development and scaling of the venture.
  • Direct guidance on accessing $40m of pre-seed capital via the University of Auckland Inventors’ Fund and the Momentum Investment Committee.

Primary Learning Outcomes

  • The practical execution of start-up plans to bring concepts to life.
  • Identification and validation of target markets within New Zealand and on a global scale.
  • Development of robust business strategies and the exploration of various commercial models to ensure feasibility.
  • Engagement with early-stage customers through defined target market segments.
  • Refinement of pitching skills to effectively communicate a vision to stakeholders.
  • The ability to scope out and establish connections with potential investors.
  • Collaboration with other successful teams and guidance from a Venture Lab entrepreneur in residence.
  • Application of governance principles and the understanding of legal structures required for start-up growth.
  • Achievement of tangible technical milestones, such as developing functional prototypes or securing pilot opportunities.
  • Advancement of the venture to a state of readiness for pre-seed or proof-of-concept (POC) investment.

Guidance and Facilitation

The programme is led by Andrew Steel, who brings over 20 years of experience in the start-up sector. His background includes roles as a founder, senior leader, and director across various industries. An active angel investor, his expertise spans multiple successful University of Auckland spin-offs, including ventures in EdTech, BioTech, and Astronautics. Participants benefit from his extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, as well as his background in law and economics.

Application Timeline and Key Dates

  • Applications Open: 8 December 2025.
  • Applications Close: 1 February 2026 at 23:59. “2026-02-01 11:59 GMT+1”
  • Pitch Invitations Issued: 9 February 2026.
  • Pitch Presentations: 12 February 2026 (applicants present plans to a panel of judges).
  • Programme Kick-off: 26 February 2026 (10 am – 2 pm).
  • Workshop Series: Scheduled sessions running from March through July 2026.
  • Midway Workshop: 28 April 2026.
  • Final Showcase: 29 July 2026 (6 pm – 8.30 pm).
  • Mentorship: Ongoing weekly meetings with dedicated venture mentors throughout the programme duration.

Eligibility and Recognition

Participation is restricted to current students and staff of the University of Auckland. While the programme is non-credit bearing and carries no formal assessments, it is recognized under the university’s co-curricular recognition programme and can contribute toward the requirements for the Distinguished Graduate Award.

Venture Lab represents a significant opportunity for University of Auckland innovators to transform academic research and entrepreneurial ideas into market-ready ventures. By bridging the gap between concept and investment, the incubator serves as a vital component of the New Zealand innovation ecosystem, empowering founders with the tools and networks necessary to create lasting value. Interested parties are encouraged to review the official entry processes and prepare their venture plans ahead of the December application opening.