Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Awards
The Global Entrepreneurship Network New Zealand Awards, hosted annually by GEN NZ, celebrate the incredible winners driving innovation across Aotearoa, recognising rising entrepreneurs, their ventures, and the ecosystem that supports them.
These awards are a truly inspiring celebration of the talent, innovation, and dedication that make Aotearoa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem so vibrant. They bring together leaders, founders, changemakers, and visionaries from across the country to honour the unsung heroes who are shaping a brighter, more connected future
Each ceremony is a powerful reminder of the strength in collaboration and the shared passion driving us all forward. Here's to building an even stronger ecosystem, together!
GEN NZ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Awards
Winners 2026
Māori Initiative of the Year
Finalists: Te Kōara & BizHub Porrirua
Entrepreneur Support Organisation of the Year
Finalist: University of Canterbury Centre for Entrepreneurship Summer Programme
Investor of the Year
Finalist: Uniservices
Youth Programme of the Year
Finalist: Startup Dunedin Audacious
Academic Initiative of the Year
University of Auckland research to Innovation Hatchery
Finalist: University of Otago Business School, Bachelors of Entrepreneurship
GEN NZ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Awards
Winners 2024
Entrepreneur of the Year
Māori Initiative of the Year
Entrepreneur Support Organisation of the Year
Investor of the Year
Angel Investors Marlborough
Mentor of the Year
Colart Miles
Social Entrepreneur of the Year
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year
Youth Programme of the Year
He Rangatahi He Anamata Summit by Toi Kai Rawa
Regional Trailblazer of the Year
Connector of the Year
GEN NZ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Awards
Winners 2023
Entrepreneur of the Year
Māori Entrepreneur of the Year
Entrepreneur Support Organisation of the Year
Investor of the Year
MJ Alvarez - WNT Ventures
Academic Initiative of the Year
Velocity
Social Entrepreneur of the Year
Sasha Lockley - Money Sweetspot
Public Sector Initiative of the Year
Youth Programme of the Year
GEN NZ Member Representative of the Year
Connector of the Year
GEN NZ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Awards
Winners 2022
Entrepreneur of the Year
Māori Initiative of the Year
Entrepreneur Support Organisation of the Year
Investor of the Year
New Zealand Growth Capital Partners
Academic Initiative of the Year
Dr Marissa Kaloga & Rasha Abu-Safieh
Social Entrepreneur of the Year
Government Initiative of the Year
Youth Programme of the Year
Special Award for Service to Gen New Zealand
Connector of the Year
