EmpoweringNZ AI-driven startups
IgniteAI is a not-for-profit that helps AI-driven startups find product-market fit — then make their product faster, better, and cheaper to achieve real, sustainable growth.
IgniteAI.nz is a community platform — think LinkedIn for the startup ecosystem. Founders can register their startups to get guidance from experienced people, while coaches, experts, volunteers, and investors can join to support promising startups.
Jump In — Where You Fit In
Whether you're building, mentoring, investing, or volunteering — there's a place for you here. Join a community where NZ founders and supporters grow together.
Founders
Turn your vision into reality with hands-on coaching, investor connections, and a squad that has your back.
Coaches
Share what you know, shape the next generation of startups, and build your reputation as a trusted mentor.
Domain Experts
Lend your deep industry knowledge to founders tackling real problems — your experience can change their trajectory.
Investors
Discover promising AI-driven startups early, connect with passionate founders, and back the ideas that matter.
Volunteers
Roll up your sleeves, gain real startup experience, and make a difference while learning alongside driven teams.
Now Accepting Applications
Open Squads Awaiting Your Join
Join a squad of founders, coaches, and experts pushing toward bold growth goals together.
Skywalker
At Skywalker squad, we focus on scaling AI-driven startups—whether your focus is hardware, software, or service-based. We act as your partner throughout the entire lifecycle: from refining your initial concept and building prototypes to product design and scaling your operations. We provide the technical expertise to overcome your hardest engineering challenges and the business acumen to build a sustainable, high-growth model. We believe that healthy, compounding growth is the ultimate solution to startup challenges. Our primary focus is helping you achieve product-market fit, ensuring your product is being pulled into the market by genuine demand. How to join: Apply online, and we will schedule a Google Meet to discuss your vision and ensure we are the right match. Once you join the program, you will gain access to our weekly office hours—an intensive, high-performance environment dedicated to iterating your product and accelerating your growth.
Supported by
The Koru Growth Formula
A mix of YC, New Zealand sports culture, and Scouts
Y Combinator Model
We focus on talking to users, validating ideas, and iterating quickly in short, aggressive cycles. We believe that healthy growth fixes everything.
New Zealand Sports Culture
Building a startup is a sport of growth. You don't need big-name mentors — what matters is consistent practice and giving your best in every match. Show up, work hard every day, and you'll be proud of the progress you make.
AI-First Approach
Maximize today's AI tools — and build new ones when needed — to accelerate startup growth. If AI can handle a task, humans should focus on what matters most: creativity, strategy, and building great products.