Student Startups Pitch Competition
Are you a student working on a startup? Pitch it at Startup Dunedin’s Student Pitch Competition, get feedback from real entrepreneurs and investors, and access funding to back your mahi.
— Why Pitch
Five reasons to put your idea in the ring
Whether you’ve been running a startup or quietly tinkering alongside study, pitching gives you more than a shot at funding.
Feedback
From experienced entrepreneurs and investors who’ve been there.
Funding
Access funding to support your mahi and take the next step.
Share & celebrate
Put the work you’ve been doing in front of a room that gets it.
Tailored support
Practical help to figure out and take your very next steps.
Community
Connect with Dunedin’s wider startup community.
All kinds of business, all areas of study
Any kind of venture is welcome — startup, side hustle, not-for-profit, social enterprise, or commercialising research. Students of all majors and minors from Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago are encouraged to apply.
- Startups
- Side hustles
- Not-for-profits
- Social enterprise
- Commercialising research
You can apply if
This sounds like you
- You're a current student at the University of Otago or Otago Polytechnic, in any area of study.
- You've spoken to potential customers or your target market — or made some sales.
- You have a rough plan for the next steps.
- You're working on something you intend to continue — business, not-for-profit, social enterprise, or side hustle.
Maybe not yet if
What we're not looking for
- You've only just had the idea and haven't taken any action yet.
- You're running a one-off event or pop-up with no plan to continue.
Only just getting started? No worries — we can still help you figure out where to begin.
— FAQ's
Questions, answered
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 Te Ao 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?
We’d encourage you to have done a bit of background work first. Book a free meeting with us and we can help you figure out how to get things underway.