Turning first class ideas into world class businesses

The essence of spark*

spark* - MORE than just a Business Plan Competition

Transforming the University… From: the isolated academic ivory tower To: the revving engine of economic growth

The spark* Objective Develop an entrepreneurial culture within The University of Auckland

Promote entrepreneurial education and foster networks across The University of Auckland and with the wider community

Create value from the ideas generated at The University of Auckland

Turning first class ideas into world class businesses

The Nuts and Bolts

Training and Inspiration

$10K Challenge

$40K Challenge

Raising enterprising spirit within UoA community• FREE 13-week V2B course, taught by world class academics/pracademics, open to all staff and students• Several networking opportunities enhancing contacts,

linkages and career opportunities• University wide change in culture and mindset

The bright spark*: Get the winning idea• Increase innovation• Encourage the first step towards entrepreneurialism• Real solutions for real problems

Turning first class ideas into world class enterprises• Intensive training and one-on-one mentoring from experience business practitioners & academic experts• Prize package includes time in a business incubator• Extensive networking opportunities, and exposure to media/investors

For those willing to ‘take the plunge’

Turning first class ideas into world class businesses

Just some numbers

Between 500-800 people at the spark* launch function

Over 2000 online registrations for spark* overnight

200 people at each session of Vision to Business course

Total sponsorship value of ~$NZ500,000 raised in 3 years

>400 participants across all university faculties in the two spark* competitions

About 200 mentors, judges and speakers from the Business Community