UniServices was proud to support the inaugural Auckland Startup Week 2025, as a foundation partner, bringing together our innovation ecosystem to celebrate the ventures, partnerships, and people from the University of Auckland who are shaping Aotearoa New Zealand’s innovation future.
Held from 20–24 October, Startup Week created a vibrant new platform for founders, investors, and researchers across Auckland’s innovation ecosystem to connect and celebrate the region’s entrepreneurial strength.
Innovation Showcase draws investors and energy
A highlight of our week was the UniServices Innovation Showcase, held on 23 October at the University’s Unleash Space, part of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). Hosted by UniServices, the event drew investors and partners from across the ecosystem to find out more about some of portfolio companies.
Marissa Brindley, Investment Manager for Auckland Council’s Economic Development Office, opened the evening with a welcome on behalf of Auckland Startup Week, acknowledging UniServices’ early support as a founding partner.
UniServices CEO and University Pro-Vice Chancellor Innovation and Enterprise Dr Greg Murison then reflected on the University’s record of achievement in innovation and entrepreneurship and our recognition as an exemplar for research commercialisation, as the country’s most active creator of startups, and the 2025 Innovation and Entrepreneurial University of the Year at the Triple E Awards in Prague.
The showcase featured rapid-fire pitches from nine ventures transforming cutting-edge research into real-world impact:
- Luminoma – light-based imaging technologies for improved medical diagnostics
- Entropeak – safe, scalable anode materials powering next-generation batteries
- PhaseFoam – heat-absorbing materials revolutionising the cold chain and construction industries
- RosterLab – AI-driven workforce rostering solutions
- Frond Space Systems – low-resource, reliable de-orbiting technology for small satellites
- Olivia Gold – developing new methods of pain management for hospital care
- Enpot – precision control systems enabling more efficient aluminium smelting
- Kara Technologies – accessible digital content using lifelike sign-language avatars
- Acumino – intelligent robotics and automation for enhanced productivity
A platform for future innovation
Alongside the Innovation Showcase, the University also hosted a Newmarket Innovation Precinct (NIP) Tour to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at our world-class facilities, where startups, researchers and industry partners collaborate to turn ideas into impact.
Dr Murison says Auckland Startup Week provided an ideal opportunity to highlight the University of Auckland and UniServices’ research impact and entrepreneurial capability.
“The University is recognised globally for our leading researchers and students. Every week we welcome international visitors engaging with different parts of our innovation ecosystem - from precision medicine to our Space Institute and the Newmarket Innovation Precinct.”
“Auckland Startup Week allowed us to be a part of a showcase of the talent and mahi already happening across the tech sector, and to share our vision for Auckland as a region of innovation and growth.”
Other events during the week included a founders’ clinic, sessions on exporting and scaling Kiwi tech globally, and networking opportunities linking startups with investors and industry leaders, all reinforcing Auckland’s growing reputation as a world-class innovation hub.
