Meet 10 New Startups Powering New Zealand’s Startup Ecosystem

New Zealand is becoming a vibrant startup hub, especially as the tech scene booms in 2025. Auckland continues to lead as the country’s primary startup hub. There are numerous startups emerging across cleantech, AI, agritech, and much more.

Why Do People Launch Startups In New Zealand?

There are several reasons why people choose New Zealand to launch startups. One of the main factors is the simplicity of starting a business, thanks to low levels of corruption and high levels of transparency.

Another major advantage is the government’s active support of startups through investments and incentives. New Zealand’s government plays a proactive role in fostering innovation. Tax breaks, straightforward legislation, and strong intellectual property protections all help create a favourable environment for business growth.

New Zealand also has a relatively small population compared to countries like the UK or the US. As a result, the startup community is more tight-knit and collaborative, making it easier to connect with like-minded individuals on similar entrepreneurial journeys.

In addition, New Zealand’s strategic location and trade agreements make it easy to access and contribute to global markets. The country is also home to some of the top universities in the world, providing access to highly educated talent for growing businesses.

Startups are also doing relatively well in New Zealand with some companies reaching unicorn status fairly quickly.

Beyond these practical benefits, New Zealand is a beautiful country with a high quality of life, making it an ideal place not just to start a business, but also to live permanently.

10 New Startups In New Zealand

Here are 10 notable startups currently making waves in New Zealand:

1. Nanophage Technologies

Nanophage Technologies was established in 2022 in New Zealand. The company is revolutionising science with the development of its nanorod technology, which impacts diagnostic processes.

This startup was among the first globally to develop multifunctional biological nanorods. They are transforming how immunodiagnostics and immunotherapy companies detect diseases with greater reliability, all while keeping costs down.

2. Vertus Energy

Vertus Energy is a cleantech startup founded in 2021. Using their proprietary Boda technology, they convert organic waste into renewable energy, aligning closely with New Zealand’s green goals.

What sets them apart is that their process is three times faster and produces 60% more energy than competitors. Vertus Energy has raised over $10.2 million in funding from investors including Icehouse Ventures and Capital Ventures.

3. Ceratec Health

Ceratec Health is a medtech startup founded in 2023 in Auckland. It offers an AI-based platform to assist with diabetes management solutions.

Ceratec enables companies to screen their employees for diabetes risks in under three minutes, with more than 95% accuracy. Based on the results, employees receive a diagnosis and a personalised management plan.

Since launching, the company has experienced rapid growth and stands out in the medtech space.

4. Naut

Naut is a marine tech startup founded in 2022 in New Zealand. The company specialises in electric propulsion systems designed specifically for the boating industry.

Naut is on a mission to innovate sustainably. Their battery-powered motors reduce emissions without compromising on performance, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional marine engines.

5. FitTeens NZ

FitTeenz NZ is a health and wellness startup that officially launched in 2023. The company aims to improve confidence, strength, and resilience in teens aged 12–18 through physical activity. Programmes range from community-based fitness to high-performance training.

The idea was born during the pandemic, when the founder created fitness routines for their daughters to stay active. The startup began with just 10 members and has since grown to over 300.

6. Alimetry

Alimetry is a healthtech startup founded in 2019 in New Zealand. It is transforming gastrointestinal diagnostics with its innovative wearable devices, offering non-invasive, AI-driven assessments.

Chronic gastrointestinal conditions often require costly, invasive procedures. Alimetry’s devices give clinicians quick and accurate insights, streamlining the diagnostic process.

At the end of 2024, the company secured an $18 million investment to expand into the US, enhance R&D, and explore new applications for its technology.

7. Centrapay

Centrapay is a fintech startup launched in 2020 in Auckland. It has developed a modern, connected payment network that allows any app to transact on any device.

Their technology challenges New Zealand’s reliance on outdated plastic card payment systems. Centrapay has reimagined payment infrastructure, offering secure, mobile-based solutions.

8. Protag

Protag, founded in 2021, specialises in cattle monitoring technology. The company has developed a smart ear tag that tracks and monitors animal health.

The tag helps farmers keep a close eye on their livestock’s wellbeing, locations, grazing habits, and breeding patterns.

Recently, Protag raised NZ$1 million to expand the implementation of its technology across the dairy industry.

9. Calmly

Calmly is a wellness startup established in 2019. Its AI-powered platform offers personalised meditation and mindfulness exercises to support mental health.

The app includes simple, evidence-based tools to reduce stress and improve wellbeing, making it accessible to a global audience.

Calmly also offers a unique “Kiwi Breathing Innovation” device powered by natural breathwork, encouraging healthy relaxation techniques.

10. Myma.ai

Myma.ai is a startup launched in 2019 in New Zealand, focused on next-generation AI solutions for tourism and hospitality.

Its platform integrates AI chatbots and smart tools to enhance guest experiences. It helps businesses increase direct bookings, improve staff efficiency, and boost revenue through data-driven decision-making.