Launch pad Digmyidea would open applications for its Māori Innovation Challenge, established to help grow Māori involvement in developing New Zealand’s digital economy.

A total of $10,000 worth of business start-up assistance is being offered to native New Zealanders as part of the Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Techweek, by launch pad Digmyidea.

The launch of the Māori Innovation Challenge was built off the back of the ATEED Te Toa Takitini initative to life Māori economic, social and cultural wellbeing. It would aim to increase the level of Māori participation in the innovation ecosystem and technology spaces and would be divided into 15-25 years and 26+ categories.

“Digmyidea aims to stimulate the interest and involvement of Māori within New Zealand’s innovation ecosystem, which is an important part of building the technology sector, and a unique point of difference both at home and on the world stage,” said ATEED representative, Patrick McVeigh.

“Ideas should have the potential to create economic opportunities for Māori and other New Zealanders, as well as be considered for the export market.”

The winners of the challenge would be announced at Techweek, a nine day event in May focused on technology, innovation and product design across New Zealand.