Callaghan Innovation

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About Accelerators

Accelerator programmes typically run over three to five months and focus on rapid and intensive product development to establish an investment ready start-up.

Accelerators often complement the services offered by founder and technology incubators.

With concentrated, specialist mentoring, coaching and business support, the programme concludes with a final pitch to an audience of potential investors at which seed, angel or venture capital funding might be attracted.

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Accelerators funded by Callaghan Innovation

Talk to one of the accelerators below to find out how you can get involved.

Kōkiri Developed for Māori, by Māori, Kōkiri is a 12 week kaupapa-based startup accelerator that supports impact-positive early stage Māori-led enterprises on a journey to sustainable business growth. Find out more at the Kōkiri website.

Flux Flux backs talented founders as they build world leading technology companies from New Zealand. Once a year Flux will invest between $20,000 – $100,000 into 6 – 8 start-ups, providing them with access to funding, networks, and expertise over six months as they scale their companies and raise further capital. Find out more at the Flux website.

Sprout Sprout is a business accelerator programme designed to fund the next generation of agritech start-ups in New Zealand. Find out more at the Sprout website.

Lightning Lab Lightning Lab is a national accelerator programme run by Creative HQ. Lightning Lab is a three-month business growth programme designed to help New Zealand companies compete on a global scale.  Find out more at the Lightning Lab website.

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See what startups have to say about these programmes

Icehouse Accelerator - The jumpstart founders need

The Icehouse Ventures accelerator programme started as a partnership with Creative HQ and has since evolved to offer more funding and a longer programme.

31 businesses have participated in the programme since 2017, with graduates going on to raise a combined $40 million.

The Icehouse co-working space gives participating founders a base to work from and to build connections with other founders and mentors. Read more here.

 

Kōkiri - In the Taniwha’s den

Kōkiri is Aotearoa’s first accelerator focused on building capability among Māori entrepreneurs.

It also has a free pre-accelerator programme focused on product-market validation.

Based in Hamilton at the Ahikomako centre of Maori innovation and entrepreneurship, Kōkiri works with startups across the country.

Kōkiri graduates typically raise pre-seed capital at the end of the program. Read more here.

 

Sprout - Taking agritech innovations global

Sprout is the country’s only startup accelerator focused on the fast-growing agritech sector.

With the likes of Fonterra, Gallagher and LIC as corporate partners, startups who partner with Sprout get advice and support from industry players who know what the market needs.

A joint venture with US-based Finistere Ventures gives Sprout participants preferential access to funding.

Sprout is broadening its focus to encompass the food technology space which is crucial to the future of our primary industries. Read more here.