Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be based in North Auckland to get involved?

No, you can be based anywhere, however you will need to have a focus on achieving positive impact for young people in the North Auckland region. The majority of the programme will be delivered online, however we will ask innovators to be present in-person for the two showcase events on 10 August and 30 November in North Auckland. Travel costs will be covered.

What types of ‘innovations’ are you looking for?

We’re looking for innovations that fit with the three themes identified as community priorities. As long as they fit with these themes and have the potential to powerfully support the mental wellbeing of young people in this context, we are open a wide range of innovations. These could range from very early ideas through to more developed solutions – perhaps ones which you might be seeking to test in a different context or grow beyond their current state. Innovations may look like new collaborations between existing services, new applications of technology, holistic approaches or any number of other things.

The decision on what applications progress through to join the innovator cohort will be made by a selection panel comprising young people and others with a strong understanding of the community context.

As an innovator, how will my IP (Intellectual Property) be protected?

We know you come with existing ideas, tools and models. Our intention is to support you to make these stronger by building them alongside a community that needs them. We have a MoU set up to protect both your and our IP, and the learning resources we put together as part of the process, we plan to put in the public domain under a Creative Commons licence so that others can learn from them too.

What types of ‘supporters’ are you looking for?

Diverse innovators need diverse support. Our coaches will be working with their teams from the start of the programme to help them to identify the support they need to reach their full potential. This may include common areas of need e.g. funding, business support, technical and legal expertise, however it’s likely there will be other more specific requests e.g. willing testers for ideas, and people with specific experiences, skills, networks or expertise they are willing to share.

If you’re interested in joining the supporter community, please complete this short form. There will be an opportunity for supporters and innovators to connect at the community showcase event on 10 August and we welcome all supporters to come along. We all have something to contribute.

What is the time commitment for innovators?

We know that many innovators are juggling work, family and other commitments, and we have designed the programme to be flexible enough to support you in managing that balance whilst still providing enough content and connection to drive your innovation forward.  You will have the opportunity to engage in a range of learning opportunities including content sessions, peer support and system insight panel events which will be available online to enable you to access them at a time that suits your own rhythms and learning journey.

We would expect innovators to commit to at least 2-3 hours of programme focus per week, however there will be times where this is higher e.g. around the two showcase events which will take place on 10 August and 30 November.

What is the time commitment for supporters?

As a supporter you are free to determine the level of commitment you are comfortable to make. If you are working directly with a team this will be agreed between you, the team and their coach. If you are providing support to the cohort more broadly e.g. as a mentor or subject matter expert, we will agree what that looks like with you ahead of time and you are free to adjust your level of commitment at any time.

Is funding available for innovators?

While we are working to provide a wide range of opportunities to connect with potential funders and investors over the course of the programme, we are not able to provide financial support up-front to participants or guarantee funding outcomes. We will however cover travel costs and seek to remove any financial barrier to participation which might get in the way. Please contact us if this is something you would like to discuss.

What is the 100k Ember Innovations grant, and how is it tied to the Challenge?

The 100k grant is a funding opportunity tied to the Challenge, aimed at supporting promising initiatives in youth mental wellbeing. Innovators will have the opportunity to apply as part of the Challenge process, and successful innovators will be selected by a panel that includes youth and community members.

What does support look like for innovators?

Each innovator or team accepted into the programme will be assigned a coach who will be a consistent source of support. Given the diversity we expect and welcome in the innovator cohort, this is a key element of ensuring support is relevant to and powerful for all involved.

We have developed a curriculum which includes elements of business model development, innovation process and impact management, alongside subjects such as safely using lived experience stories. Throughout the programme we will be weaving practices aimed at supporting the wellbeing of innovators and building an understanding of the complex systems which impact upon youth wellbeing.

What are the two community showcase events?

The first event on 10August gives innovators the opportunity to share your work with the a room of supporters and community members, and to connect with people with the skills and expertise you might be looking for to help you take the next step. The second on 30 November provides a platform for innovators to present their developed ideas and future plans to potential funders and partners who might help bring them to fruition. It’s also a celebration of the innovative work and progress made.

What’s the timeline?

Applications for innovators close at 5pm on 30 June. The cohort will be announced in early July, at which point innovators will be matched with coaches and we will start our work together with an initial focus on being ready to showcase your idea / solution on the 10 of August.

For supporters and funders, you can let us know you’re interested in getting involved anytime before the end of July. Whatever part you’d like to play, please let us know you’re interested through this short form.

Why should you get involved?

By participating, you will be part of a transformative movement that shapes the future of youth wellbeing, tapping into a network of diverse innovators, mentors, coaches, supporters and potential funders. This process has not been tried before in Aotearoa around mental wellbeing, and is built around filling gaps in the system, and building solutions young people want and need.