Want to know if you could make a living from your wits, your creative ideas and your unique perspective on the world?

Come along to a free, full-day Techweek19 event aimed at inspiring and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators, ON: Futures In Tech at the Victory Convention Centre on Monday, 20 May.

Presented by New Zealand’s largest student engagement platform, Niesh, in conjunction with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and Young Enterprise (YES), ON features talks by young entrepreneurs, tech-focused panels, and interactive activities and expos, to give secondary and tertiary students an insight into the world of entrepreneurship.

ON is the brainchild of James Koo, Chief Executive and founder of Niesh, and entrepreneur in action.

The event complements ON: Pitch, Auckland’s newest youth entrepreneurship competition, and will include the three finalist startups doing their pitch live on stage to the audience and judges, as well as showing young people the wealth of opportunities in tech and how simple it can be to dive in.

“We’re strong believers in doing, not just saying,” says James Koo. “At ON you can hear from seasoned experts and upcoming innovators who’ve already made the mistakes, and you will have your say on what businesses you’d like to see come to life in the future by helping judge which Pitch team will walk away with a $50,000 startup business package.

“We’ve also arranged panels of entrepreneurs and change makers who will discuss the power of diversity and diverse thinking. It’s important to understand what diversity really is and why it can be valuable as an entrepreneur. Our panellists will share their insights on diversity and their personal experiences given their diverse backgrounds.”

“Another crucial element to entrepreneurial success is the ability to constantly overcome challenges that may face you in your business. That’s why we’ve also invited entrepreneurs to talk about the unique challenges they’ve faced and their tips, tricks and tools for overcoming them,” says James.

ATEED General Manager Economic Development, Pam Ford, says Auckland’s young and diverse population is a key advantage for the region’s economic and employment future.

“Our creative and tech-savvy young people, a large proportion of the population in areas like south Auckland and from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, have a lot to offer and a lot to benefit from our region’s world-class tech and creative sectors and our culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

“As Auckland’s economic development agency, we’re keen to nurture fresh ideas and talent as we support the growth of quality jobs for all Aucklanders.”

Speakers and panelists include social entrepreneur and GirlBoss founder Alexia Hilbertidou; Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Innovation Officer and Tribal Digital Transformer Te Aroha Morehu; Kiwi Landing Pad Director of Community and Content Sian Simpson; Metia Interactive Managing Director, game producer and designer Maru Nihoniho; engineering student and technology and innovation award-winner Mikayla Stokes; 18-year-old Taj Pabari, founder and CEO of Australia’s largest youth entrepreneurship workshop provider; and Te Papa entrepreneur-in-residence Ezel Kokcu.

What: ON: Futures In Tech, full-day entrepreneurial conference, part of Techweek19

Where: Victory Convention Centre, 98 Beaumont St, Freemans Bay

When: 8.30am – 3.15pm, Monday, 20 May

How to register: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/on-futures-in-tech-tickets-59146236987

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