1. Turning first class ideas into world class businesses The essence of spark*  spark* - MORE than just a Business Plan Competition  Transforming the University… From: the isolated academic ivory tower To: the revving engine of economic growth  The spark* Objective Develop an entrepreneurial culture within The University of Auckland Promote entrepreneurial education and foster networks across The University of Auckland and with the wider community Create value from the ideas generated at The University of Auckland

2. Turning first class ideas into world class businesses The Nuts and Bolts Training and Inspiration $10K Challenge $40K Challenge Raising enterprising spirit within UoA community FREE 13-week V2B course, taught by world class academics/pracademics, open to all staff and students Several networking opportunities enhancing contacts, linkages and career opportunities University wide change in culture and mindset The bright spark*: Get the winning idea Increase innovation Encourage the first step towards entrepreneurialism Real solutions for real problems Turning first class ideas into world class enterprises Intensive training and one-on-one mentoring from experience business practitioners & academic experts Prize package includes time in a business incubator Extensive networking opportunities, and exposure to media/investors For those willing to ‘take the plunge’

3. Turning first class ideas into world class businesses Just some numbers Between 500-800 people at the spark* launch function Over 2000 online registrations for spark* overnight 200 people at each session of Vision to Business course Total sponsorship value of ~$NZ500,000 raised in 3 years >400 participants across all university faculties in the two spark* competitions About 200 mentors, judges and speakers from the Business Community