Velocity $100k Challenge finalists revealed

Velocity $100k Challenge finalists revealed

Innovative ventures based on big data, robots, medical research, social issues and environmental problems have been named as finalists in the 2016 Velocity $100k Challenge, the University of Auckland’s entrepreneurship programme.

A record number of students, staff and alumni from throughout the university entered the Dragon’s Den style competition, which has helped launch companies such as PowerbyProxi, Fishpond, Thought Wired and The P3 Foundation.

Velocity is run by students and delivered in partnership with the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, based at the University of Auckland Business School.

Velocity CEO James Rankin says it’s fantastic to see the diverse range of ideas from all corners of the university.

“All of them are extremely high quality and we’re looking forward to seeing where they end up,” he says.

Centre Director Wendy Kerr says she is impressed by the range of well researched ideas using new technologies to solve problems.

“It’s a really exciting line-up. Velocity is all about building entrepreneurial mind-set and capability, and we’re looking forward to seeing these teams unleash their potential.”

All finalists now go into the Launch Pad programme involving intensive training, mentoring and weekly workshops.

Winners receive thousands of dollars in seed capital and entry into the Potential Programme, which includes incubation time at The Icehouse. Winners will be announced at the grand prize-giving on Wednesday 19 October.

Velocity $100k Challenge finalists:

University Research
GazeAuth: This technology provides a secure, fast and efficient way of authentication by completely eradicating the threat of a user’s PIN being stolen by shoulder-surfing or smudge attacks.
Mobile Pasture Meter: A mobile app that allows dairy farmers to measure the grass mass of their pastures.
Weaver: A novel 3D printer that integrates computational design with advanced long-fibre composites. Through its innovative print process, Weaver will enable direct manufacture of products with unparalleled performance to cost.
Handheld Molecular Diagnostics: A novel platform technology for rapid identification and diagnostics of infectious and non-communicable diseases, where a characteristic DNA signature is present. It can also be used for highly sensitive detection of steroid hormones. A rapid, portable, sensitive and cost effective solution for molecular diagnostics.
Robot services for winegrowers: Using small mobile robots and existing technology to provide bird scaring, yield estimation and weeding services for the wine industry.

Social Entrepreneurship
Feel Good Period: A buy-one-give-one scheme for sanitary pads, aimed at women who struggle to afford them.
Hexacycle: Seeks to use an insect to divert organic waste from landfill and turn it into animal feed to help feed a hungry world in a sustainable fashion.
LYFE: Operates as a bridge between high school students and businesses through the facilitation of work-shadowing opportunities to give students more exposure to the workforce.
Just Roboser: Your AI lawyer on the go! Have a question about your consumer rights? Just Roboser has the answer, and it is free.

New Ventures
Cryostrap: An innovative means of assisting with RICE recovery for recent joint strains and sprains anywhere, anytime.
Cat-trax: An end-to-end cloud-based application to fully digitise all aspects of cataract surgery. It will create significant improvements in efficiency, safety and visual outcomes for cataract surgery in New Zealand.
Ology: Using advanced learning techniques, built around learning best practices, Ology delivers a customised study experience for any student, any subject, anywhere, any time. Study smarter, not harder, with Ology.
School Insider: A comprehensive online database facilitating the study abroad application process for international students around the globe.
Divvy: A peer-to-peer equipment-sharing platform. Divvy enables people to list their available outdoor equipment and earn extra income in the form of rent from adventurers.
QuickSense: Research and big data for learning can uncover interesting insights for teachers and students. Using spaced repetition quizzing and teacher dashboards to uncover concept weaknesses, QuickSense aims to create a solution that increases student performance across New Zealand and ultimately around the world.
Note2A+: This app combines a platform with unique customisation features which serve to assist students as they strive for those A+ results. Our vision is to create a path to the ultimate learning experience for all students.
Strutagio: An app that measures men's feet and generates matches to fashionable tailored shoes.

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