Bring your ideas to life
UCE provides support to students who are interested in creating a business or social enterprise. No matter the stage, whether it is still a concept or an existing business, UCE has the right staff on hand to provide advice to students on how to move forward.
Complementing the one-on-one advice, UCE run a variety of programmes and events specifically targeted at those students interested in establishing or running a business or social enterprise. UCE is the perfect place for students to explore and experiment with their ideas in a supportive environment where it is safe to take risks and try new ideas.
Hatchery
UCE runs a year round Incubator for student founders or students interested in starting or being part of a startup. The programme includes one-on-one coaching and mentoring, speaker sessions and workshops, as well as access to coworking space and facilities.
Summer Startup Programme
Over the summer semester, UCE runs a 10-week intensive incubator/accelerator programme allowing students to push their ideas and ventures to the next level. The programme is designed to support a wide range of students; for-profit or social enterprise; concept stage or revenue-generating; product or service.
Alumni of the Summer Startup Programme have gone on to raise capital, access top tier accelerators and build sustainable, profitable ventures. UCE offers $5,000 scholarships to students who are selected into this programme.
ThincLab
ThincLab is a technology-focused Founder Incubator based in Christchurch. We provide ongoing, bespoke support to help ambitious businesses take their ideas global. Part of the by Callaghan Innovation national founder incubator network, ThincLab was founded as a partnership between UC and ChristchurchNZ to accelerate high-growth businesses in the Canterbury region.
For more information, email uce@canterbury.ac.nz