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Startups since 2019
81
Capital raised since 2019
$17.6M
New jobs since 2019
126
Ministry of Awesome is a force for the high growth startups and innovators of New Zealand.
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Haere mai and welcome to the Ministry of Awesome startup and innovation community.

Ministry of Awesome exists to drive startup and innovation growth and success in Aotearoa. We are based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand's newest city and home to a dynamic startup and innovation community that is rolling the red carpet out for any startup with bold ambition to innovate and lead NZ's future.
At Ministry of Awesome, we focus on high growth startups with bold ambition for global impact. We provide startups with incubation, mentorship, and access to the investor networks, commercial partners, and professional services they need to succeed.

High Growth Startups

If you're a startup with bold ambition, capability, and a drive for global success, we're here to serve you.

Innovation programmes

If you're trying to kickstart innovation and entrepreneurship in your region, your sector, or your organisation - our innovation programmes may be just what you are looking for.

Education Programmes

We foster entrepreneurial ambition and instil innovation skillsets in our youth working alongside educational institutions and organisations around the country.

Looking for your startup tribe?

Te Ōhaka is our Centre for Growth and Innovation, currently the home of 20+ high-growth early stage startups. Startups and Ara students at Te Ōhaka are accepted into a formal incubation programme with a focus on monetisation, fundraising, and overseas expansion
Learn more

Electrify Aotearoa is live!

Scheduled for 17 February 2022 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Electrify Aotearoa invites our leading founders, aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups to take part and celebrate our homegrown diversity. Hear stories of grit and Kiwi ingenuity from those who have gone before you and learn from exclusive masterclasses with top investors to level up your startup experience. Tickets available now at www.electrifyaotearoa.co.nz
Get Tickets

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

Sep 28

Coffee and Jam: UnKnot Solutions and SpaceBase

When: 28 Sep 2021 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Where: Online webinar Duration: 1 hr
Oct 14

Startup Breakfast Club – October

Acquiring Your First Paying Customer
When: 14 Oct 2021 7:30 am - 9:00 am Where: Te Ōhaka - Centre for Growth & Innovation, K Block, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Corner of Moorhouse Ave and Barbadoes St, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011Madras Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011 Duration: 1 hr 30 min
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Our national partners

In late 2018, we formed a strategic alliance with Ara Institute of Canterbury which allowed the Ministry of Awesome team to tap into a 1400 strong ambitious learning community - a talent pipeline critical to the growth of our startup and innovation ecosystem. At the same time, we established Te Ōhaka - a city centre startup and innovation hub which has rapidly become one of the key drivers of the NZ early stage and high growth startup and innovation ecosystem.
Find out more

The Wider Community

Join the community

Subscribe to our event invites and monthly newsletters and be part of our 6,000+ strong community of high growth startup founders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers.