Maia Financial Sponsors University of Auckland Velocity Program

Maia Financial Sponsors University of Auckland Velocity Program Article Image

Maia Financial are pleased to announce it will be sponsoring the University of Auckland’s student entrepreneurship program, Velocity, for a third year running.

Previously known as Spark, the University of Auckland launched Velocity in 2003 as New Zealand’s leading entrepreneurial program designed to encourage students to put their business ideas into action and innovate the world that we live in.

To date, Velocity has helped to forge 110 new ventures, raise nearly NZD$200 million in capital and create over 400 new jobs.

In a rapidly changing world where businesses are forced to be more innovative and agile than ever, having support to build a business in an innovative environment is crucial. That’s why, over the course of a year, Velocity run a series of workshops and talks from some of New Zealand’s leading entrepreneurs to educate students on a range of topics including marketing, business planning, strategy and finance.

In addition, two competitions where business proposals are pitched to a panel, are held to give participants the chance to win cash prizes for their business ventures. The first is for a cash prize of NZD$1000 and the second to win a portion of NZD$100k. Both competitions offer participants a chance to pitch to industry leaders and business experts, receive mentorship as well as feedback on their projects.

Last year’s winners included:

Spot Check – a DNA diagnostic tool designed to detect genetic signatures of infectious diseases on the spot.

CAT-TRAX – a web based application to help reduce waiting times for cataract surgery, increase efficiency, lower costs and improve patient, surgeon and healthcare provider outcomes.

Recovr – a new bandage solution incorporating cooling elements for soft tissue injuries

Boon – self-driving robots to tend vineyards

This year’s Velocity program launches on 22 March, we wish all the participants the best of luck in developing their business ideas and for the upcoming competitions.

Watch the video below to find out more, or go to the University of Auckland’s Velocity program website.