We’re excited to share that Tupu is back for 2026 — and applications are now open.
Now in its third consecutive year, the Tupu Accelerator is seeking ten ambitious Māori founded startups ready to grow their pakihi into global ventures.
Delivered by Tapuwae Roa in partnership with Sprout and co-funded by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Tupu equips Māori startups with the tools, mentors, and resources needed to scale rapidly and compete on the world stage.
Led by business experts Saara Tawha and Brittany Teei, founders join a select rōpū of Māori entrepreneurs and are guided through collaborative wānanga and practical assignments, culminating in the opportunity to pitch their pakihi to potential investors.
⏰ Applications open: 24 February – 23rd March
💻 Shortlist panel interviews: 9th and 10th April
🚀 Programme commences: 8th May
Unlock the potential of your pakihi today and turn your global aspirations into reality – apply now!
What’s involved?
Delivered over eight weeks, Tupu includes four in-person wānanga, weekly online hui, and one-on-one coaching focused on the fundamentals of building high-growth startups and raising capital.
Key kaupapa include:
🚀 Business models, planning, and organisational structure
🚀 Customer validation, market sizing, and competition
🚀 Commercialisation and capital planning
🚀 Valuation and term sheets
🚀 Due diligence and investor collateral
Throughout the programme, pakihi develop and refine their investor pitch, and will present this at an in-person showcase to partners, supporters and potential investors.
What our Purapura have to say
The Tupu Accelerator continues to be a proven and transformative force for Māori entrepreneurship in Aotearoa with 87% of former Purapura saying the programme was a game changer for their pakihi.
“My huge takeaway was understanding how the investor world works — what they need, what they’re looking for, and where my boundaries are. It’s not so intimidating anymore.” — Léon Bristow, 2025 participant and founder of BEINGS (pictured back row, second from left)
Purapura spotlight
Established by Tamara and Julian Kirwan alongside Keela Atkinson, Mauriora Kombucha is a whānau-owned kombuchary and dispensary on a mission to nurture living cultures.
Since completing Tupu, the team has begun scaling internationally while strengthening connections and confidence within Aotearoa.
Performnz IQ
Founded by Purapura, Pele and Maraki Aumua, Performnz IQ is a sporting performance movement focused on growing rangatahi into athletes and quality people.
Following the programme, Performnz IQ launched its official app and is actively expanding partnerships with schools, clubs, and community groups across Aotearoa.
Founded by Léon Bristow, BEINGS is a directory and consultancy casting Aotearoa’s PoC, Rainbow, and disabled talent.
Since Tupu, Léon has leveraged his learnings to grow opportunities and connections nationwide, stepping confidently into investor spaces.
Applications close 23 March – apply today: www.tupu.org.nz/apply/
