Congratulations to the five bold Taranaki startups who completed the 2026 PowerUp Accelerator Programme.
The programme concluded on 13 May when the founders pitched live to investors, collaborators, and the community at the PowerUp Accelerator Showcase Night.
The night attracted over 100 attendees online and in-person and generated valuable connections for each startup.
These five startups are refining ventures across sustainability, digital platforms, consumer innovation and advanced technology as they prepare to pitch at the PowerUp Accelerator Showcase.
Flytte – Fabian Johnson An online logistics marketplace platform simplifying the booking of moving and transport services across New Zealand.
Rooted Harmony – Shivani Nardekar Wellness drink blends powered by Ayurvedic adaptogens and botanicals supporting hormonal balance and wellbeing.
Green Loop – Sophie Walker Transforming commercial food waste into nutrient-dense compost that restores soil health.
Kermit Shade & Shelter – Henry Saleman Modular shade and shelter systems designed for homes, schools and hospitality environments.
TipJar – Xavier Perera A digital payments platform enabling organisations and businesses to collect payments instantly.
See Rachel's LinkedIn profile
See Malcolm's LinkedIn profile
See Sonia's LinkedIn profile
See Kitty's LinkedIn profile
See Kevin's LinkedIn profile
The Accelerator is for businesses with a clear MVP and who have big plans for scaling.
There is no cost to take part in the Accelerator.
Yes, we accept startups at various stages, from pre-revenue to those with some traction and funding.
The PowerUp Accelerator is designed for early-stage businesses that already have some demonstrated traction. Check out some of our other PowerUp support for idea-stage businesses
Applications will be reviewed by a Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki panel, who will look for innovation, scalability, and the potential for high impact.
If we have questions or need more information from you, we will organise a call.
Clearly outline the problem you’re solving, show your unique value proposition and potential paths to market, demonstrate strong commitment and an understanding of your business model.
The PowerUp Accelerator requires between four and eight hours per week, which includes mentoring, bi-weekly expert sessions, pitch deck work and practice, and group check-ins.
This is a guideline only. The more you put into the 10 weeks, the more you will get out of it. However it's important that you are able to commit to the full 10 weeks and complete the programme (excluding any unforeseen emergencies).
If you are selected, you will be carefully matched with a mentor from our pool as part of the onboarding process within the first two weeks of the programme.
To ensure you are matched with the most appropriate mentor, we will discuss your needs and the expertise you are looking for to take your startup to the next level.
Your mentor will work with you for 20 hours over the 10 weeks to support your objectives and get you ready for the showcase. The frequency and method (face-to-face, hybrid) is to be agreed between you and the mentor during the onboarding process.
There is no seed funding. You will showcase your startup in front of a live audience at the end of the programme for exposure, feedback and networking opportunities.