How would $5000 help your start-up?

Pitch Competition submissions are opening soon for semester two!

Apply for Audacious semester 2 here!

Keep an eye out for Semester 2 Audacious dates

If you’d like some support with something you’re working on, just book a meeting with us! It’s free, and we can help you find your next steps.

Are you a student working on a startup, business, side hustle, or project? We have funding for student startups at Startup Dunedin’s Student Pitch Competition!

If you’ve been working on a side hustle, running a startup, or tinkering away at something alongside study this year, our Student Pitch Competition this year will give you an opportunity to:

  • Get feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and investors

  • Access funding to support your mahi

  • Share and celebrate the work you have been doing

  • Receive tailored support to take your next steps

  • Connect with Dunedin’s startup community

All kinds of businesses, all areas of study

Any kind of business is welcome to apply, no matter if you’re a startup, a side hustle, a not-for-profit, a social enterprise, or you’re working on commercialising research.

Dunedin tertiary students of all majors, minors, and areas of study are encouraged to apply from Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago.

Who can apply?  

You can apply for our Student Pitch Competition if:

  • You are a current student at Otago University or Otago Polytechnic, in any area of study.

  • You have spoken to potential customers or your target market, or made sales.

  • You have a rough plan for the next steps.

  • You are working on something you intend to continue, whether it is a business, not-for-profit, social enterprise, side hustle, or similar.

What we’re not looking for

This event is not intended for you if you:

  • Have only just had the idea and have not taken any action yet (but we can still help you with that - book a free meting with us!).

  • Are running a one-off event or pop-up with no plan to continue.

Frequently asked questions.

  • Do I need to have done Audacious to pitch at the Student Pitch Competition?

    • Nope - this year we’re doing things a little differently. Anyone who’s currently studying can put their pitch in the ring. 

  • I didn’t study entrepreneurship or business. Is that okay?

    • Yes, absolutely. Lots of previous winners were from other disciplines - from Health Science, to Fashion Design, to Māori, and everything in between.

  • Can I apply if I already graduated?

    • No, our Student Pitch Competition is for current students only. 

  • I just had an idea for a startup, but haven’t done anything about it yet. Can I pitch it at the event?