$5000 prize for PHD students from AMP

PhD students all across New Zealand have the chance to win up to $5,000 cash to further their research, by assisting in the development of presentation skills required to ‘sell-in’ their theory or idea.

Sometimes the biggest challenge faced is having the confidence and ability to translate a complex idea into everyday language. Having the skills to think outside the box and deliver an engaging proposal can often be the key to opening doors.

Whether on stage or in the boardroom, delivery and timing is everything!

AMP IGNITE will help our participants explore their creative side, think differently, gain confidence, and experience the rush and spontaneity of pitching.

In the lead-up to pitch night, our participants will have the chance to work with a team of mentors – an eclectic bunch of professionals who will help transform our participants from students to stars.

AMP IGNITE is a one night only special event that will be staged in front of a live audience at one of Auckland’s iconic inner city venues. Our participants will get to experience the commotion of backstage and the urgency of a live pitch performance as they test their theories in front of a packed venue.

What’s different in 2016?
•We have simplified the initial application process, we no longer require all your proof of PhD for you to submit. Finalists will be asked to provide this information to verify their PhD
•We have taken away the judging criteria that the PhD research has to have a business context.
•This year’s final is in Wellington, with the mentor sessions still taking place in Auckland
•Finalists from locations outside of the Auckland Region for the Mentoring Sessions and Wellington for the Ignite night, will have reasonable flight and accommodation costs for the events covered.

Eligibility Criteria
•Open to students who are currently undertaking PhD research or have completed their research after January 2015.
•The research undertaken must be New Zealand based (i.e. performed by a New Zealand based researcher, under PhD supervision by a New Zealand based university).
•Documentation / evidence supporting the research is available (e.g. conference papers or presentations, publications, patents) and any internal review by academic staff to be presented if requested.
•The application form is to be completed in its entirety and submitted by the due date. No late entries will be considered.