Emma Arvidson
Teiny
High protein oat milk powder - small changes, big impact
University of Canterbury
Emma Arvidson is a chemical formulation design specialist, currently pursuing her master's in product innovation at at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC).
For her capstone project, to demonstrate knowledge and expertise for her thesis, Emma developed a high-protein oat milk powder that bridges the gap between the nutritional benefits of dairy and the sustainability of oats. Recognizing the potential of her creation, Emma co-founded a startup to bring this innovative product to market.
Under her leadership, the company has gained significant traction. They have successfully raised investment, secured funding from KiwiNet and the King's Trust, and are finalists in the Foodstuffs Emerging Supplier Competition, which could see them ranged in all New World supermarkets across the country. These achievements highlight both the technical innovation and the market potential of their product.
Emma and her co-founder also earned the People's Choice and Impact Award at the UC Summer Start-Up, further validating their concept and approach. This reflects the strong resonance their product has with both consumers and industry experts, showcasing its potential for broad market appeal.
Emma's expertise in chemical formulation design has been instrumental in overcoming industry challenges, setting her product apart in a competitive market. Her strategic vision and commitment to sustainability resonate with consumers who value nutrition, convenience, and environmental responsibility.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavours, Emma was recently selected for the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, reflecting her leadership potential and her dedication to making a broader impact. Her journey from concept to commercialisation showcases her ability to translate scientific innovation into viable business opportunities, positioning her as a rising star in the food innovation sector.
Jean-Luc Ellis
WasteXpert
Reducing construction and demolition waste in on-site systems
University of Auckland
Approximately 50% of Aotearoa's annual landfill contribution is from the construction and demolition industry—this equates to roughly 4.5 tonnes of waste per new-build house and about $30,000 in materials and waste costs.
Jean-Luc Ellis is the co-founder and managing director of WasteXpert, a start-up working to divert construction and demolition waste from landfills by empowering customers with tools and knowledge to manage waste responsibly. WasteXpert provides consulting services to streamline waste-management processes, on-site waste management strategies to reduce waste streams and minimise carbon footprint, and a data tracking platform: WasteX, a bespoke waste forecasting, tracking, and reporting software that can deliver waste data insights in real-time.
Jean-Luc's background in the construction and demolition industry began through his first business, ERC Contracting, which he started in 2021. The contract labour-hire company that also specialises in sustainable deconstruction has a team of 25 contractors and has serviced over 100 clients. His time on the tools helped to develop WasteXpert systems that are practical, effective and easy to implement.
WasteXpert is actively diverting waste from landfill and saving clients money by reducing on-site material and waste costs. The company is proud to be a leading force in the waste battle; currently working with multiple councils across Aotearoa, large building material suppliers, and some of our largest construction companies. WasteXpert’s next goal is to continue spreading through Aotearoa while engaging with contacts in the UK and EU as they look to launch the WasteX platform overseas.
Jenny Zhu
Linebuddy
Umpiring ball monitoring tech for accurate line calls
University of Canterbury
Jenny Zhu is a recent graduate in Mechatronics Engineering from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC).
Her unique background as a New Zealand representative badminton player and her passion for innovation has driven her to tackle one of the sport's most persistent challenges: unreliable umpiring. Jenny is the founder of LineBuddy, a startup dedicated to making advanced umpiring technology accessible to all badminton players.
Jenny's journey in badminton began when she was eight, inspired by her older brother who played before her. Determined to surpass him, she started playing socially at the local badminton club. She has since progressed from social to senior international level, making her deeply involved in the badminton community from the grassroots up.
Recognising that professional athletes benefit from advanced but expensive umpiring technologies, Jenny set out to create a solution that would be both affordable and convenient for everyday players. LineBuddy leverages smartphone technology and object detection to provide accurate line call feedback. By simply setting up a smartphone on a tripod behind the court, players can receive instant in-or-out decisions.
LineBuddy is currently in the MVP (minimal viable product) development stage, with hopes to impact other sports in the future, making fair play accessible to all.