Applications are open!
Momentum Student Entrepreneur of The Year Award 2025
This award recognises a highly motivated Aotearoa New Zealand tertiary student who looks beyond merely financial return and considers the positive impact their idea has in the world - not just with their idea or project, but in their support of, and engagement with, the startup ecosystem.
New application format :
This year we’re doubling down on what the award recognises and celebrates - and that’s the student; as in, what makes an enrtreprenuer, not just the idea. We want to see you; so we're calling for applications in video form.
Tell us about you; what makes you come alive, why you love this environment, and then tell us about your idea. You do have to have one. Present it however you like. Tell us how you thought of it, why the world needs it and your vision of it in the world. And do it all in 3 - 5 minutes.
Good Luck!
The 2025 Student Entrpreneur of the Year will receive:
$5,000.00 Cash
Access to Angel Association Runway event
Emerge Package ($4k Value)
Trading Account Set-Up
Account Manager - a dedicated Chartered Accountant will act as the Account Manager for the student entrepreneur.
Growth Meetings –A six-week program of expert growth sessions tailored to both B2B and B2C strategies.
A huge Thank You to our Prize Sponsors:
Key dates:
Entries close: 11:59pm Sunday 25 May 2025
3 Finalists Announced: 30 May 2025
Finalists Filmed for Kiwinet Awards (Auckland): tbc; one day in the week 16-20 June 2025
Final Judging: 7 October (Zoom if outside Auckland)
Kiwinet Awards (Auckland): 22 October
*flights and accomodation provided if outside Auckland
Take a look at last year’s finalists:
Meet our 2024 winner!
Emma Arvidson:
Teiny - High Protein Powdered Oat Milk
University of Canterbury
Emma Arvidson is a chemical formulation design specialist, currently pursuing her master's in product innovation at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC).
For her capstone project, to demonstrate knowledge and expertise for her thesis, Emma developed a high-protein oat milk powder that bridges the gap between the nutritional benefits of dairy and the sustainability of oats. Recognizing the potential of her creation, Emma co-founded a startup to bring this innovative product to market.
Under her leadership, the company has gained significant traction. They have successfully secured $20,000 KiwiNet PreSeed Accelerator Funding (PSAF) and $5,000 funding from the King's Trust He KāKano, a seed fund for young entrepreneurs aged 17-30 years. They were also a finalist in this year's Foodstuffs Emerging Supplier Competition. In September 2024, Teiny secured investment from The Climate VC Fund (CVCF), the largest investor in its early-stage round to bring them to market, with further support from friends and family. These achievements highlight both the technical innovation and the market potential of their product.
Emma and her co-founder also earned the People's Choice and Impact Award at the UC Summer Start-Up, further validating their concept and approach. This reflects the strong resonance their product has with both consumers and industry experts, showcasing its potential for broad market appeal.
Emma's expertise in chemical formulation design has been instrumental in overcoming industry challenges, setting her product apart in a competitive market. Her strategic vision and commitment to sustainability resonate with consumers who value nutrition, convenience, and environmental responsibility.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavours, Emma was recently selected for the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, reflecting her leadership potential and her dedication to making a broader impact. Her journey from concept to commercialisation showcases her ability to translate scientific innovation into viable business opportunities, positioning her as a rising star in the food innovation sector
Meet our 2023 winner!
Monique Lau
Endosoothe
University of Canterbury
Having lived with endometriosis, Monique has first-hand experience not only of the discomfort and stigma surrounding endometriosis and menstruation, but also of the efficacy of her innovation. Add a background in chemical formulation, and the value proposition becomes more and more enticing.
Endosoothe is committed to redefining the menstrual experience by offering a comprehensive range of products that address the challenges women face during their menstrual cycles. They provide a range of thoughtfully crafted menstrual care products using natural active ingredients that prioritise comfort, sustainability and effectiveness.
One of the standouts of this project is the community that Endosoothe is building online prior to product launch; emphasising their commitment to education, raising awareness and support rather than just selling product. This also informs a unique human-centred market research approach that targets consumers directly to inform product development and remain transparent with regard to information, solidifying the trust of the community affected before investigating medical regulation.
Monique is an active and valued member of UC's entrepreneurial community, and we commend her on continuing her commitment to community through her product.
Watch more from Monique here
small print * FAQ's*
small print * FAQ's*
Information provided in this application will be used to support the judging panel to select finalists.
We may also share the information anonymously with MBIE for reporting purposes. Information is kept only as long as required to fulfil these purposes.
The Prize Package is subject to availability of the winner.
You have the right to request access and correction to your personal information. To do so, email jardin.green@auckland.ac.nz
Applications are open to students enrolled in a tertiary institution in the last 12 months
If you do not live in Auckland, travel and accomodation will be covered.
Award Supporters
Thank you for your continued collaboration..
