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Punakaiki Fund

Hi-Tech Startup Company of the Year

Punakaiki Fund

Eligibility For This Category

Your company is registered in NZ and meets at least two of the following criteria:

  • Founded in NZ
  • Global headquarters are in NZ
  • At least 20% of your employees reside in NZ You cannot enter this category if you have previously won it.

In Entering This Category

You have developed a Hi-Tech company that has moved into an early revenue growth phase and had revenue of less than NZ$2 million for the calendar year ending 31 December 2025.

  • You can provide evidence of at least one commercial sale (this excludes grants and investment) during the same period.
  • You may be a very young company, or one that has taken several years to get out of the pre-commercialisation starting blocks.
  • You will be able to tell an exciting story of innovation, market opportunity, competitive advantage and how you plan to achieve the goals you’ve set.
  • Upon request, you can supply the judges with evidence to support any claims made in this entry.

Entries for the 2026 Awards will open in December 2025

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If you're unsure whether your company qualifies or have any questions or concerns, please email us at info@hitech.org.nz or call us at +64 21 223 8506 for clarification.