Beyond Boundaries Disrupt Challenge
Imagine connectivity anywhere in Aotearoa — what could you build, change, or unlock?
$3,000 cash prize pool + 2degrees spot prizes*
Challenge Briefing: 4pm - 6pm, Thursday 21st May 2026
Challenge Dates: 9am - 5pm, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May 2026
Location: UC Centre for Entrepreneurship, Level 6, Rehua Building, University of Canterbury
What is a Disrupt Challenge?
UCE Disrupt Challenges are a fast-paced, team-based innovation competition where students come together to solve real-world problems set by industry partners.
Over one weekend, you’ll form a team, explore a challenge, develop a solution, and pitch your idea — supported by mentors and industry experts.
The Beyond Boundaries Challenge
2degrees is helping shape a future where connectivity can reach further — beyond traditional coverage, into places it hasn’t before.
This Challenge asks a simple but powerful question:
What becomes possible when people and devices can connect from almost anywhere in New Zealand?
Core challenge statement
Design a product, service, or system that uses expanded connectivity to solve a real-world problem, create new opportunities, or improve outcomes for people, communities, or industries.
Challenge Themes
During the challenge, your team will be asked to explore solutions to the following themes:
1. Widespread Connectivity
What becomes possible when a connection can happen from anywhere?
Explore the world of possibilities that opens up when people and devices can connect from anywhere in New Zealand.
2. IoT, Telemetry & Data Science
What could always-on connectivity unlock for sensors, systems, and smarter decision-making?
Design data-driven solutions that use remote sensing, telemetry, and connected devices to solve real-world problems in new ways.
3. Digital Equity
How might expanded connectivity improve access, opportunity, and inclusion for rural and underserved communities?
Reimagine how connectivity can reduce isolation, improve access, and create more equitable opportunities across Aotearoa.
What types of problems and solutions might you explore?
Teams might explore ideas such as:
Tools for remote workers and off-grid professionals
Safety systems for trampers, lone workers, or emergency response
Environmental, wildlife monitoring and pest control using connected sensors
Drone or IoT-based systems for agriculture or infrastructure
Solutions that improve connectivity access for rural communities
This is just a small example of the types of issues and solutions you might wish to explore and help solve. Ultimately, the challenge is about connectivity and how widespread connectivity, data, and information technology, can be leveraged to connect communities, solve industry problems, and develop digital equity amongst underserved communities.
Who Should Apply?
This Challenge is open to all University of Canterbury, Ara, and Lincoln students, regardless of your discipline — no prior experience required.
We’re looking for students from a range of backgrounds, including:
Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science
Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship
Design, Product, and Creative disciplines
Environmental, Social Impact, and Health fields
Before the Challenge, you will join teams of 4-5. The best teams bring together different perspectives.
You are welcome to sign-up with friends or as an individual.
Note: Each team member will need to complete the sign-up form below, but you can let us know of anyone who will be joining you in forming a team.
What will you gain from participating?
Real-world experience solving an industry challenge
Mentorship from 2degrees and industry experts
The chance to build and pitch your own idea
Prizes and potential access to emerging technology
Opportunities to connect with 2degrees and the wider innovation ecosystem
Prizes…
Through participating in the Challenge, you and your team will have the chance to win part of our $3,000 in cash prizes and some amazing spot prizes for winning teams and participants
Cash prizes for top teams
Technology and devices
Opportunities to engage further with 2degrees and emerging connectivity initiatives
The Challenge Programme:
Launch Night: Thursday 21st May, 4 pm - 6 pm
Meet your team
Hear the challenge brief
Start ideation
Challenge Weekend: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May, 9 am – 5 pm
Develop your idea
Get mentor feedback
Build your pitch
Final Presentations: Sunday 24th May, 2 pm – 5 pm
Pitch to judges
Win prizes
Are You Ready to Challenge how Aotearoa Connects?
Sign up now and be part of the future of connectivity.
https://forms.fillout.com/t/orqqboSd4cus
*Registrations due midnight Sunday 18th May
