About UCE

UC Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE) is dedicated to igniting a generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers who are passionate about creating positive social and economic impact on a local and global scale. With a mission to “Ignite a generation of Entrepreneurs and Changemakers” UC Business School and UCE is at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship education, giving students the skills and the mindset to tackle today’s complex challenges and develop scalable solutions that can address future ones. Our purpose is grounded in the belief that the world needs more individuals with the vision, creativity, and resilience to reimagine and improve the way we live and work.

At UCE, students from all backgrounds and fields of study are invited to participate in programs that bridge their academic learning with hands-on experience. Through a wide range of immersive activities and events, UCE challenges students to think outside conventional boundaries, to explore ambitious ideas, and to turn those ideas into reality. From ideation and prototyping to launching and scaling ventures, students are guided and mentored by experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and an engaged network of alumni who are dedicated to helping students succeed.

Our Vision and Impact

Nominated as a finalist for the 2024 ICC Startup Ecosystem Star Award for ‘Best In-Class Startup Programs’ and a finalist for the Gen NZ Entrepreneurship Awards in 2024. UCE Students have also won the Momentum Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the last two years in a row (congratulations to Monique Lau - Endosoothe and Emma Arvidson - Teiny).

Our vision is for the impact of UCE students and ventures to be felt globally as they work on solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. We envision UCE as the hub of entrepreneurship and innovation in Ōtautahi Christchurch, enabling our students to make meaningful contributions at both a local and international level.

Programs and Offerings:

UCE offers a dynamic mix of programs, challenges, and workshops designed to meet students at various stages of their entrepreneurial journeys:

• One on One Startup mentoring: Speak to one of our experienced staff about your startup idea and which of our programs might be the best fit for you. Email uce@canterbury.ac.nz to schedule a time.
• Inspiring Speaker Series (2 per term): Each term, UCE hosts inspiring speakers from across New Zealand and the globe who share their personal journeys, lessons, and challenges in building successful ventures. These sessions motivate students and provide them with insights into the realities of entrepreneurship.
• Capability Building Workshops (1 per term): UCE collaborates with industry leaders to deliver targeted workshops on topics such as branding, financial literacy, and market analysis. These workshops equip students with practical knowledge and skills crucial for building successful ventures.
• Changemakers Programme: Support for UC business clubs and community-focused initiatives, students gain experience in creating businesses and organisations with a social mission.
• Disrupt Innovation Challenge (1 per term): This 48-hour, team-based challenge pushes students to work on real-world problems posed by partner organisations. The experience not only fosters creativity and teamwork but also provides valuable networking opportunities and resume-enhancing experience.
• Summer Startup Programme (1 per year): A flagship 10-week initiative, the Summer Startup Programme helps students turn their ideas into action. By supporting participants as they validate, develop, and launch their ventures, this program fast-tracks the entrepreneurial journey for those committed to making an impact through both commercial and social enterprises.
• Student Incubator Programme (year-round application based): For student founders looking to further develop their ventures, UCE offers workspace and resources throughout the year, providing a collaborative environment where students can connect with mentors and peers as they prepare for external incubators or their next growth stage.

Through these offerings, UCE is not only building entrepreneurial capability but also fostering a community of innovators committed to creating sustainable, positive change. From inspiring the next wave of problem-solvers to supporting their growth and scaling ventures, UCE is a vital catalyst in empowering UC students to have a lasting and transformative impact on society.

UC’s Centre for Entrepreneurship (UCE) provides students with opportunities to build capabilities in entrepreneurship and innovation. All of our activities are connected with external organisations, enabling our students to gain real world hands-on experience. UCE’s programmes and events are open to all UC students regardless of the degree of year. No prior experience is required. 

The UCE community of founders, mentors, experts and advisors fosters innovation and creativity where students are challenged in a supportive environment and are encouraged to take risks, explore new concepts, and make things happen. We want to equip our students to have a real positive impact on society.

UCE is a leader in the startup ecosystem in Ōtautahi Christchurch, offering exciting opportunities to founders and researchers. Most recently, the Validator series of challenges, powered by ChristchurchNZ and delivered by UCE, aim to stimulate innovation and the commercialisation of new ideas in key economic sectors in Waitaha Canterbury and beyond. It gives participants access to high quality content and coaching, industry connections, and exposure within the innovation ecosystem.  This helps them to validate that they have a real solution to a real problem, and that there is a set of customers who will be prepared to pay for their innovation.

UCE’s vision

Our aim is to deliver highly versatile graduates who can contribute to society in a meaningful and positive way.

At UCE we want to:

• Nurture the development of more employable UC graduates with exceptional entrepreneurial capability.
• Become a driving force in the entrepreneurial ecosystem regionally and nationally.
• Expand UC’s national and international entrepreneurial networks.
• To be seen as a central pillar for innovation and entrepreneurship for the Christchurch community and beyond
• Be a centre for excellence on innovation and entrepreneurial research.

Student opportunities

UCE is the place for you.

We have a range of events and programmes throughout the year that you should get involved in! Feel free to come up to the office on level 6 in Rehua and chat to our friendly staff or flick an email to UCE@canterbury.ac.nz