It's back for 2026!
The AUT Youth Shark Tank (formerly the Innovation Franklin Shark Tank) is here — and it’s your chance to turn ideas into opportunity.
We’re calling on young people aged 15–18 with a business idea, product, or community initiative to step forward and pitch to our panel of expert “sharks.” Whether it’s a big vision or a simple idea with potential, this is your chance to be heard, gain real-world feedback, and take your next step.
Meet the 2026 AUT Youth Shark Tank Judges!
Mike Marr
CEO, TPT Group
Mike brings over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and business leadership to the Shark Tank judging panel. Born in Pukekohe, he’s the founder and CEO of TPT Group, which spans electronic security, IT, AI, and more. With 10 start-ups launched and 17 acquisitions led, Mike has a sharp eye for scalable ideas and smart investment.
A qualified electrician turned award-winning entrepreneur, Mike has earned national and international recognition, including the Blake Leader Award. He’s Board Chair of Innovation Franklin and a trustee of The Runway Foundation, supporting families impacted by ADHD.
Mike’s deep industry knowledge, innovation-driven approach, and commitment to impact make him a powerful and supportive judge.
Tracey Kay
GM Safety, Culture and Sustainability, Counties Energy
Tracey brings heart, vision, and lived experience to the Shark Tank judging panel. As GM of Safety, Culture and Sustainability at Counties Energy, her leadership is grounded in people, purpose, and long-term impact.
Born, raised, and still proudly based in South Auckland, Tracey believes in creating opportunities—and empowering others to reach their full potential. With over 20 years of mentoring and community involvement through organisations like the First Foundation, she’s helped individuals from all walks of life grow with clarity and confidence.
Tracey’s ability to connect, uplift, and champion future-focused thinking makes her a compassionate and courageous voice on the panel—one who sees the people behind the ideas.
Kirsty Bullen
Director, Campbell Tyson Accountants
Kirsty, Director of Advisory Services at Campbell Tyson, brings decades of experience in both commercial and advisory roles to the Youth Shark Tank panel.
With a passion for helping business owners maximise their resources, visualise growth, and take practical steps toward their goals, she’s a powerhouse of business insight. Formerly Managing Director at Campbell Tyson, Kirsty combines leadership with hands-on experience across public practice and the commercial sector, uniquely positioning her to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs.
As a mum of two, she understands the juggle of business and family life, making her a relatable and inspiring judge for our rangatahi.
Kerry Manders
CEO, The Runway Foundation
Kerry brings more than 30 years of experience across communications, events, public relations, and marketing, with a strong focus on people and community. Having spent much of her career with Netball New Zealand, she understands how to build meaningful connections and create environments where individuals and teams can thrive.
Kerry is passionate about storytelling and community impact, and has a long history of giving back through volunteering, including coaching netball, supporting the Parachute Music Festival, and running horse-riding adventure camps for rangatahi.
In her role as CEO of The Runway Foundation, Kerry’s experience and passion for supporting young people make her a valuable addition to the AUT Youth Shark Tank judging panel.
Taghreed Hikmet
Senior Lecturer (Marketing & International Business), AUT Business School
Taghreed brings extensive experience in international business, strategy, and entrepreneurship through her work as a consultant in New Zealand and overseas. She has supported SME manufacturers across high-tech industries, helping businesses grow, expand internationally, and participate in trade exhibitions in Canada, Denmark, and Australia.
Taghreed has also worked with New Zealand companies to develop business opportunities in China, Australia, the European Union, and the United States, helping lay the foundations for international partnerships and market expansion. She holds an MBA in Operations Management, a Master of Business, and a PhD in International Business from the Auckland University of Technology.
She is also passionate about supporting young innovators and future business leaders through her involvement in initiatives such as the TIA 2024 competition, the KIWI Challenge 2023, and her ongoing participation in the YES competition each year. Through both her academic and professional work, Taghreed is committed to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and confidence in the next generation.
Paul Woodfield
Senior Lecturer (Entrepreneurship and Innovation), AUT Business School
Paul Woodfield brings a strong blend of industry experience and academic expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship. After a decade in the property sector, he completed a Master of Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship, including time at European Business School in Germany, before going on to complete a PhD focused on sustaining entrepreneurial family businesses.
Paul has contributed to national and international research, including work with the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, and is a Co-Editor of the Entrepreneurship Research Journal. Through the National Science Challenge: Science for Technological Innovation he has been involved in initiatives that strengthen New Zealand’s innovation capacity and capability across the country.
With previous experience in two Centers of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and now at AUT Business School, Paul is passionate about enabling innovation and entrepreneurship through teaching, research, and advisory work. He also contributes across governance roles in the not-for-profit sector, bringing his knowledge to support meaningful community impact.
AUT Youth Shark Tank Prize Pack
Cash Contribution
Thanks to AUT for contributing $1,000 in cash to our Youth Shark Tank prize pack — an incredible boost to help our winner take their next step.
Value - $1000
One Hour Business Coaching
We’re excited to have Tracey Lock supporting our Youth Shark Tank winner, generously gifting an hour of business coaching.
This is an awesome opportunity for our winner to get one-on-one support, ask questions, and gain real-world advice to take their idea to the next level.
Value - $349.00 + GST
Another sponsor coming soon!
One Hour Accounting Advice
We’re excited to have Jessica Stebbings supporting our Youth Shark Tank winner, generously gifting one hour of business accounting advice.
A great chance for our winner to get clarity on their finances, from structuring their business to managing cashflow and planning ahead.
Value - $400.00 + GST
