Momentum Kotahi Series 2025

 The Kotahi Series is back!

18th & 19th of July - Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland


We have committed the next two years at Momentum to building it into a programme that matches its potential: to cultivate a student commercialisation ecosystem that is robust, valued and that demonstrably impacts Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy for good. And to do that, we need to know where we are and where we are going. That starts with generating our national map, together!

Explore the plan…

Friday 18th July

5.30pm - Location: tbc

  • Welcome to the event and whenua led by Mana Whenua

  • Networking, drinks and good kai!

Saturday 19th July

9.00 am — Location: Kura Matahuna – Unleash Space - 20 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland

  • We’ll spend the morning in our regional committees understanding our regional pipelines, networks, partners and connections; then we’ll come together to integrate the regional maps into a national network; giving us an overview of who we can connect with and recommend as support for us and our presenters.

  • To map any ecosystem, we need to know our own backyard. This is the “you are here” piece of work; both regionally and nationally

  • We’ll explore who else is out there doing different things. In this session, you’ll hear from:

    • Kings Trust

    • Te Māori Investment Roopū

  • The afternoon is about discovering what we are part of - the bigger picture and how we can support that and be supported by it.

  • Our Venture Capital Leaders Panel

    Voyages always expand knowledge and experience!

    We’ve asked VC’s to come in to strengthen our impact as committee members, by understanding how to support our student ideas in becoming investible. In this session you’ll also explore what career opportunities may lie ahead in the VC sector.

    Featuring:

    • Sam Butler - NZGCP

    • Greg Sitters - Mātū

  • Learn about another huge part of our inner circle ecosystem - Return On Science. Our Return On Science Committee Chair’s will run you through everything you need to know about Deep Tech: current trends; the innovation ecosystem and how you could be involved.

  • Ecosystems thrive when accessible - and accessibility to us means Navigation.

    This is what Momentum is all about: helping you and our presenters navigate this ecosystem. We’ll bring all of this together on one (literal) map.

Kotahi Series Dinner

@tbc Saturday 19th July from 5.30pm

With special Key Note: Dr Jamie Newth

  • Betting It All on Purpose

    Dr. Jamie Newth is no ordinary founder. When he launched Soul Capital, one of Aotearoa’s first impact investment firms, he literally remortgaged his house to fund it - Jamie is undoubtedly “all in”!

    Now a leading voice in impact investing, Jamie backs start-ups solving real-world problems, from AI-powered sign language to sustainable packaging and ethical fintech. His first fund, Āwhi, has fueled ventures that blend profit with purpose.

    An academic, entrepreneur, and mentor, Jamie has worked across business, non-profits, and academia, and teaches at the University of Auckland. He’s seen how students and changemakers from all walks of life are redefining innovation.

    Jamie brings powerful insights for people on both sides of the table - founders and changemakers alike - we all impact the future of this ecosystem.