Challengers' Expo
12 October 2026
Come meet 26 of NZ's most exciting startups in this year's opening expo event - challenging the status quo in their particular sector, bold enough to look the establishment in the eye and say "there's a better way to solve my user's problem".
This is one of the flagship events each Auckland Startup Week. Featuring carefully selected growth stage startups who embody this year's theme: Rebels and renegades. Founders who have recognised a fundamental problem in their industry or sector and are bold enough to build a challenger to the status quo.
Each of these startups are in-market and gaining traction as their audiences recognise a better solution.
Don't miss the chance to meet the next Halter, Tracksuit or RocketLab before they hit their hockey stick curve.
Runs from 10am-2pm at GridAKL (John Lysaght Building).
Free
Speakers - TBC
Venue
GridAKL / John Lysaght
101 Pakenham Street West, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland 1010
GridAKL / John Lysaght is more than just a workspace — it's a thriving community of visionaries, innovators and change-makers. GridAKL is home to a diverse mix of startups and small businesses working together to create solutions that make a difference.