Audacious is where Ōtepoti students turn big ideas into action.
— How it works
How Audacious works
Audacious is a free, cohort‑based student startup programme for any and all Ōtepoti tertiary students.
Through a series of workshops, the key aspects of starting up are covered. We go through everything from understanding customers, to marketing, to finances, to pitching.
1
Workshops
Each session covers key startup topics – like validating an idea, building a brand, and understanding customers. We focus on fun, practical, collaborative sessions that move your idea forward.
2
Mentoring & community
Work on your idea with a cohort of fellow Otago students, experienced mentors, and guest founders who’ve built startups themselves. You’ll get honest feedback, real-world insight, & support to help you stay motivated.
3
Open to all students
This programme is for any Otago University or Otago Polytechnic student, no matter your major or experience level, and no matter whether you want to work in a company, start your own project, or simply learn new skills.
4
Flexible delivery
Audacious fits around your schedule. You can take part in person with workshop times suited to student timetables, or online, completing content at your pace and joining weekly office hours to ask questions and get help.
5
Pitch Competition
Startup Dunedin’s Student Pitch Competition has $5000 available for student startups. Audacious students can receive feedback and coaching on their pitches to get them in the best possible position for the competition.
6
Co-working space
Audacious participants can use Startup Dunedin’s co‑working space during the programme. Work with others, use meeting rooms, and make space for your startup work. Plus free coffee and good company (including our office dog, Lou).
Ready to join the next Audacious cohort?
If you’re a student at the University of Otago or Otago Polytechnic and keen to turn an idea into something real, or just want to explore what’s possible, the next intake of Audacious is your chance to jump in.
Spots fill fast, so let us know you’re keen to stay in the loop about when applications open.
— FAQ's
Questions, answered
Do I need an idea to join?
You don’t need a fully formed business. Audacious works best if you either have an idea you’d like to explore or a problem you want to dive into. If you don’t have an idea yet, just let us know when you apply.
Is there a cost?
No. Audacious is totally free.
What if I’m already working on something?
You’re still in. Audacious helps regardless of where you’re at. If you’re working on scaling beyond early stages, check out The Distiller Incubator too.
Does it need to be profit driven?
Not at all. Social enterprise, nonprofit and community‑focused ideas are all welcome.
Can I apply without business experience?
Absolutely. Your curiosity and willingness to learn are what matter.
What will I learn in the workshops?
Across 10 short workshops, you’ll learn…
- Introduction – Starting where you will finish
- Design Thinking – Who is your customer? What is their problem?
- Design Thinking – Developing a solution
- The Bottom Line – Business Model & Finances
- Marketing & Branding 101
- Build a Pitch Deck – How to tell your story
- Pitch Week & Next Steps – Where to from here?
Note: There will also be smaller hands-on workshops throughout the programme. These will be split into groups. You can also access as many one-on-one coaching and mentoring sessions as you would like.
— Stories
Built right here in Ōtepoti
Real students. Real startups. Real stories.
Audacious is proudly supported by
Founded and funded by the partners building Dunedin’s startup community.
