Auckland named top university for innovation and entrepreneurship

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, has been named Innovative and Entrepreneurial University of the Year at the Triple E Awards, held 10-12 September in Prague.

The University was recognised for its approach to start-up creation and innovation in teaching, research and university operations.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater says fostering innovation is central to the University’s vision for the future.

“This award recognises our ambition to be a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. It celebrates the creativity and drive of our staff and students, and the way they are helping shape solutions that will benefit Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.”

The University plays a leading role in advancing New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem through deep engagement with industry, government and community organisations. Its collaborative, interdisciplinary approach fosters innovative solutions that contribute to New Zealand’s economic, social and environmental prosperity.

Darsel Keane, Director of the University’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), says the award highlights the scale and impact of this work.

“It recognises how innovation and entrepreneurship are woven through teaching, research, and community engagement, from transformative curricula and world-class research institutes, to the impact of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s programmes reaching more than 7,000 participants each year, and the $40 million UniServices Inventors’ Fund, which supports translating ideas into ventures that benefit society and industry alike.

“At the heart of this achievement is our belief that universities should both prepare graduates to be innovators, creators and solution-seekers, and foster the full spectrum of research, from bold blue-sky exploration to applied solutions that address pressing challenges at home and abroad.”

Keane says these efforts are delivering real benefits for New Zealand. Each year, more than 150 volunteers from across the entrepreneurial ecosystem contribute as mentors, speakers and judges, helping enrich the experiences and opportunities available through CIE’s programmes.

“I’m deeply proud of the CIE team’s contribution to this recognition and grateful to colleagues across the University whose vision, dedication, and passion bring innovation and entrepreneurship to life every day. Together, through commitment and collaboration, we are shaping a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future for Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategic Engagement Dr Erik Lithander represented the University at the awards in Prague, an initiative of the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) that recognises engagement and entrepreneurship in higher education. This year, 77 finalists from 30 countries competed across a variety of categories.