Auckland Startup Week has launched its 2026 programme, with the five-day festival to support local innovation and help build a high-productivity economy.
The festival will take place on 12-16 October at GridAKL in the Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct and other city venues.
First held in 2025, Auckland Startup Week connects startup founders with investors, industry leaders and experts to spark growth and investment and build Auckland’s position as a leading centre of tech and innovation.
This year’s theme is ‘the rebellion in our DNA’, encouraging participants to challenge established markets and explore new possibilities.
Auckland Startup Week is presented by Auckland Council’s Economic Development Office in association with investment firms, entrepreneurs, research institutes, universities and corporates, with support from the city centre targeted rate.
In the lead up to Auckland Startup Week, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is wearing branded t-shirts to promote local startups in his ‘100 Days of Startups’ social media campaign. His daily videos include businesses solving problems associated with health, the environment, power prices, and even getting rid of nits.
“Auckland’s future is being built by the bold ideas of our local entrepreneurs. These are our creators and risk-takers who put their careers on the line to found companies to solve the problems of today. They’re worth celebrating, and most people don’t even know they’re here. Auckland Startup Week, along with the Auckland Tech & Innovation Alliance, are part of our work to make Auckland the tech and innovation hub of the South Pacific,” says Mayor Brown.
Pam Ford, General Manager of the council’s Economic Development Office, says she is looking forward to another successful Auckland Startup Week. Last year’s festival showcased 135 startups and saw more than 4000 attendees go to 32 events at 10 venues.
“Auckland Startup Week is a chance to shine a light on entrepreneurs and celebrate ingenuity. We want all participants to succeed – whether it’s someone who’s curious about making that smart idea of theirs a reality, someone else who wants to take their business to the next level – or an angel or institutional investor who is looking for the next big thing,” Ford says.
Most events in Auckland Startup Week’s pick-and-mix schedule of workshops, pitch competitions, and networking sessions are free to attend, with advice to suit founders at all stages of business development.
This year’s speakers include Facebook Marketplace founder Bowen Pan and influential entrepreneur Derek Handley, with further names to be announced.
Session hosts include Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, as well as the Mayor, whose ‘Unfiltered Opportunities with Mayor Wayne Brown’ event promises to be a “no BS, ‘ask me anything’ conversation” to be moderated by Frances Valintine, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of academyEx.
There are other new events on offer, as well as returning favourites. One of last year’s highlights was the Startup Expo, with invited founders able to set up booths free of charge to showcase their products and services to gain exposure and attract interest from potential investors.
This year’s expo, on 12 October at GridAKL, is called the Challengers’ Expo. Auckland Startup Week organisers are calling for expressions of interest from founders keen to take part. Founders can apply here. Applications close at 11.59pm on 3 September.
For more information on Auckland Startup Week and to see the 2026 programme, visit aucklandstartupweek.com.
