The Dragon’s Den competition has been organised annually at the University of Canterbury as part of the School of Product Design’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied design thinking. The event provides Product Design students with the opportunity to pitch their product ideas to a panel of academic experts and industry leaders, replicating a real-world entrepreneurial environment.
The competition encourages creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication, while also connecting students with industry partners and potential mentors. Winning teams receive prize money, technical support, and guidance to further develop their concepts into viable prototypes or ventures.
The Dragon’s Den is supported by the Biomolecular Interaction Centre (BIC) and the School of Product Design, with contributions from academic staff, technical teams, and the UC Centre for Entrepreneurship. Over the years, the event has grown in both profile and impact, engaging judges from leading companies and research institutions, and reinforcing its role as a platform for student-driven innovation.
