Momentum Student Entrepreneur of The Year Award
This award recognises a highly motivated New Zealand tertiary student who looks beyond the science and sees the positive impact their idea has in the world.
This student is making outstanding contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship in Aotearoa, not just with their idea or project, but in their support of, and engagement with, the startup ecosystem.
Meet our 2024 winner!
Emma Arvidson:
Teiny - High Protein Powdered Oat Milk
University of Canterbury
Watch more from Emma here
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
Award Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsors for their continued collaboration.
SEOTY is an initiative created by Auckland UniServices Ltd flagship Momentum Programme and is sponsored by Matū Group. Matū is a venture capital fund targeting early-stage science and technology ideas. They invest funds through a hands-on approach, and have a vision to get research out of the lab and into the real-world.
2019 was the inaugural year that this award was included as one of the KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards. Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) believes in the power of New Zealand science to transform lives and change the world.
