Haere mai and welcome to Ministry of Awesome's founder and startup community.

Ministry of Awesome is a force for high-growth startups in Aotearoa. We drive startup ambition, build capability, and support success for early-stage NZ founders and startups with global ambitions.

From our headquarters in Ōtautahi Christchurch, we power New Zealand's year-round continuously operating early-stage startup incubator, Founder Catalyst, and four national accelerator programmes every year.

What’s happening right now

Founder Catalyst

Our 9 month incubation programme helps founders master the capabilities startups need to compete and win. Build critical leadership skills, perfect your product, win customers, and attract investors. Apply Now!

Electrify Accelerator

NZ's only whole ecosystem-backed startup accelerator made for woman founders, addressing their unique needs and viewpoints, to build a strong wahine in the startup ecosystem. Applications are now being accepted!

Orion Accelerator

A clean energy-focused 12-week accelerator fosters ground-breaking innovations that will shape the future of NZs energy sector and power a cleaner future. See who won the pitch competition during Demo Night.

Electrify Accelerator is back!

New Zealand’s women founder accelerator is currently accepting applications for the next cohort. Deadline to apply is 5 March. The 12 week accelerator runs March to June and is a remote/hybrid programme for startups from throughout NZ.

Women founders accelerator

Be a part of the MoA team!

Ministry of Awesome is currently accepting applications for full-time leadership roles to lead partnerships, marketing, and community. Interested in being part of the force for NZ high-growth startups? We'd like to hear from you!

We're hiring

Are you a student at Ara?

Here's your chance to explore entrepreneurship, learn life-changing innovation skills, and work alongside some of the most exciting startup founders and entrepreneurs in New Zealand. Te Ōhaka - Centre for Growth & Innovation is right here on the central city campus and - regardless of your field of study - the skills you will learn from this experience will help you reach your career and life goals.

Go to Ara Student Programmes

Upcoming events and training

Feb 23

Sharing Session: Intangible Assets with EverEdge

When: 23 Feb 2023 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Where: Te Ōhaka Centre for Innovation at Ara Institute of Canterbury

View all events

Our national partners

We are delighted to enjoy a strategic alliance with Ara Institute of Canterbury and ChristchurchNZ - our regional economic development agency. This partnership has allowed us to tap into a 7000 strong ambitious learning community and talent pipeline; establish Te Ōhaka - our city centre startup hub; and kick off what is has swiftly become Aotearoa's most prolific startup incubator, Founder Catalyst.

Find out more