Velocity Kick-Off 2026

Discover what Velocity has to offer you in 2026! Meet like-minded people, hear from our inspiring speaker and learn how to get involved.

Are you an aspiring change-maker and curious about innovation and entrepreneurship? Then this event is for you!

Velocity is New Zealand’s leading university entrepreneurship development programme. Each year it offers a series of inspirational seminars, start-up idea and planning competitions (including the infamous Velocity $100k Challenge) and networking and professional development opportunities. Learn about everything Velocity has to offer you this year, get inspired and meet new people at our kick-off event.

From 5pm-6pm, there will be a pre-kickoff Clubs Expo showcasing our community.

Guest Speaker: Tim Brown

Tim Brown is the co-founder of Allbirds and the original creative vision behind the brand, with a strong focus on design. Before co-founding Allbirds in 2016, Tim represented New Zealand at the 2010 FIFA World Cup - a generational achievement that shaped his insights into high-performing teams and culture.

He holds a BS in Design from the University of Cincinnati (which awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2024) and a Master’s in Management from the London School of Economics. Tim is currently a lecturer at Stanford’s d.school and the University of Auckland, a venture partner at Icehouse Ventures, and part of the ownership team at Auckland FC.

Free event – all welcome! Refreshments provided.

About the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides a world of opportunity to participants so that they can stand-out and create value through innovative careers and start-up creation.

CIE is New Zealand’s leading University entrepreneurship centre, winning 14 international awards since 2020.