This one-off Microgrant fund of $10,000 was designed to support early-stage startups in Dunedin to run an experiment, meet a goal, or move the needle on a specific goal or objective with a small one-off cash injection.
Startups could put the money toward a range of activities, i.e. the purchase of specialized equipment, the development of prototypes, running a few product trials, and customer interviewing or market research.
In the end, we were stoked to see how much interest there was from local startups. In total there were 49 applications for $112,475 funding requested - more than ten times the amount we had in the fund itself! The caliber and quality of applications and the diversity of industry and ideas really blew everyone away, reiterating to us that great ideas can come from anyone, from anywhere, and from any background.
Startup Dunedin was also lucky enough to have the support of a panel of experts, business and community leaders, who got together to review the applicants and award the funding. A massive thank you to Danny Healy from Business South, Amie Taua from Dunedin City Council, Maree Thyne from the University of Otago Business School, Bex Twemlow from Firebrand and Wade Pearson Startup Dunedin Board Chair.
Here’s a birds-eye view of the funding allocated.
A digital platform to help families access disability support.
Elli Cares, a dementia support app for independent living.
SpellCaster, a gamified phonics and spelling app for older learners who require additional literacy support.
Intermentis, who are developing Soter; an AI-driven smart doorstep assistant for people in vulnerable situations.
Coursespy, a course planning and review website for university students.
Retrospect Entertainment, who are working on Northridge, a rangatahi-led web video series as a first test for a Dunedin youth-focused production company.
Little Fale Eats, who are specialising in Tongan food, based in Dunedin.
Aftergame, a social tabletop gaming platform.
Dunedin Perfume, who are a cosmetic and perfume maker from Yemen via Sri Lanka, setting up in Dunedin and supported by Red Cross Pathways to Employment.
Fuel My Potential, who provide online sports nutrition for athletes.
A new health product - patent pending, and watch this space!
Placetrack, who are making software for industry placements as part of students' tertiary study on their online channels.
Would you like to get involved for
the next funding round?
Given the oversubscription, the team are already looking at how we might run a microgrant fund annually. If you’d like to get involved or sponsor for 2026, get in touch with the team at hello@startupdunedin.nz