Velocity Ideas Challenge Prizegiving 2025

Join us in celebrating the incredible innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit shown by our University of Auckland community at the 2025 Velocity Ideas Challenge Prize Giving.

This year, we received a record-breaking 318 entries from students and staff across the University – each one tackling big ideas to solve social issues, environmental challenges, or seize bold market opportunities.

At the prize giving, we’ll announce this year’s winners, hear inspiring stories from our finalists, and celebrate the power of fresh thinking. Whether you entered the challenge, are curious about innovation, or simply want to support your peers – you’re warmly invited to attend.

Keynote speaker: Bowen Pan

Bowen Pan is a proud CIE alumnus and former Velocity participant whose career journey is a masterclass in global innovation leadership. As the founding product lead for Facebook Marketplace, Bowen grew the platform from the ground up to over 800 million monthly active users. He later built Facebook Gaming, launched Stripe Apps and then joined Common Room as Vice-President of Product, where he helped supercharge sales at leading tech firms including Atlassian and Notion. Today, Bowen continues to shape the future of tech as an advisor and investor to high-impact companies and venture capital firms.

Come for the celebration, stay for the inspiration – and see which 20 entries will win a share of the $20,000 prize pool!

We can't wait to see you there! All welcome!