Lightning Lab

CHQ's startup division.

Through Lightning Lab, Creative HQ’s startup division, we run the Accelerator programme and Incubation.

How we help startups
Our programmes bring discipline to startup life. We provide coaching and mentoring, practical startup support, a place to work, advice and a community of alumni.

LET'S CHAT

Accelerator Programme

Got a mandate to create lasting change?

Lightning Lab is our flagship programme for accelerating projects. This end-to-end programme will define the scope and focus of a project, assemble the right team around it and guide that team towards the production of a viable business case and/or a validated prototype.

Efficient. Evidence-based. Effective.

Find out about our next accelerator programme, the Climate Response Accelerator.

Incubation

Bring structure and discipline to your venture with our incubation programme.

A 6-12 months month programme for startups building sustainable business ventures.

APPLY NOW

WHAT WE OFFER

Fortnightly coaching session with a Creative HQ business coach.

Access to the Creative HQ community and networks.

Free desk space for you and your team at Creative HQ.

Regular pitch training and peer learning sessions.

GOT AN IDEA?

Places in our programmes are highly sought-after.

Each year, we have up to twenty places for startups to grow their business with us. Teams are selected based on a range of criteria including:

Having a unique value proposition
The potential to scale globally
Coachable founders with a team around them
Early signs of validation and/or growth
Alignment with CHQ’s values
Must be based in, or willing to move to, Wellington

If this sounds like you, fill out our information form below and someone will be in touch with you.

APPLY NOW

"Lightning Lab has been pivotal for us. During the programme, we evolved from two guys hacking in our bedrooms to full-blown entrepreneurs who are taking on the world."

Mike Neumegen, CloudCannon

"Being part of the Kiwibank FinTech Accelerator helped us turn our idea into a business. Providing us with the momentum, tools and support we needed along the way."

Sonya Williams, Sharesies

Keen to find out how we can help you?

Join our newsletter to get innovation tips and resources straight to your inbox or keep browsing to find out more about our Corporate Services, Government Services or Professional Development Training.

Got a question? Get in touch.

OUR BRANDS