Emerging Founders Expo

Emerging founders, meet Emerge.

New Zealand’s next generation of great minds is coming through younger and sharper than ever. Emerging Founders is the official closing showcase of Auckland Startup Week 2026, bringing together a room full of teenagers who have already worked out that they don't need permission to start something big.

Co-hosted alongside Kiwi fintech innovator Emerge, this high-energy event exclusively features post-MVP stage ventures built by local founders aged 14–20. These young innovators already have active users, working MVPs or live products, and big ambitions.

Come along to experience the incredible energy of NZ’s youngest entrepreneurs, see their products in action, and help us back them early as they connect with investors, mentors, and the wider ecosystem. Here's to watching them emerge!

About Emerge
Money should be easy. We’re building Emerge to make it feel that way.

Emerge is a Kiwi fintech on a mission to build the bank we deserve - a simpler, smarter way to manage money, designed around the lives and businesses of Kiwis today. From everyday accounts and savings to team cards, expense management and tools that take the admin out of running a business, we’re bringing more of your money into one place.