# Call to Action - NEAR Regional Expansion From where in the world are you visiting us from? What's the Web3 ecosystem like there? What can YOU do to help increase NEAR awareness there, onboard more local builders? There are several initiatives for Regional Expansion. Processes and governance aside, this is a simple call to action: an example of how to get started today knowing that there will support systems in place to enable you to grow. (You should also should also join these Working Groups if you are interested in contributing towards governance frameworks). ## Mapping Auckland Web3 Ecosystem I've just landed back in Auckland, New Zealand, and in line with my [initial draft](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BD7p5wwN34glZZk7tsW3Js7BC5ldt1rNpt_RiRj8GZ8/edit#heading=h.b6thwgr792vv) outlining a pragmatic way to *map* and *activate* any city in the world, here's my initial research and framework that hopefully can inspire others. ### Meetups I'll be attending the following Meetups: * [Auckland Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/auckland-cryptocurrency-meetup-group/events/291455529/) * [NFT Aotearoa Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/auckland-nft-non-fungible-tokens-meetup-group/events/291505771/) ### Innovation Programs at University of Auckland These should all be seen as top of the funnel, qualified leads. Next step is to establish a working relationship. 1. Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) offers several programs and initiatives to promote innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Auckland. These include the Velocity Innovation Challenge, the Velocity $100k Challenge, and the Spark Ideas Challenge. 2. Unleash Space: Unleash Space is a makerspace and innovation hub located on the University of Auckland campus. It provides students with access to equipment, workshops, and events to support innovation and entrepreneurship. 3. Master of Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship: This program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to commercialize ideas and launch new ventures. It covers topics such as innovation, entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance. 4. Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: This undergraduate degree program is designed for students who are interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. It covers topics such as product design, marketing, business planning, and financial management. 5. Master of Engineering Studies in Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship: This program is designed for engineers who are interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. It covers topics such as engineering design, project management, and commercialization. 6. Summer Start-Up Programme: The Summer Start-Up Programme is a six-week program that provides students with the opportunity to work on their own start-up projects. Participants receive mentorship, workshops, and funding to help them launch their ventures. ### University of Auckland - Blockchain 1. Master of Information Technology (MIT) in Blockchain: This is a specialized program offered by the Faculty of Science that focuses on blockchain technology. The program covers topics such as cryptography, distributed systems, smart contracts, and decentralized applications. Students in the program also have the opportunity to undertake a research project related to blockchain. 2. Blockchain and Distributed Ledgers Research Group (BDLRG) is based in the Department of Computer Science and is focused on advancing the state of the art in blockchain and distributed systems research. The group collaborates with industry partners and other academic institutions to undertake research projects and develop new blockchain technologies. ### University of Auckland, Student Clubs & Societies The University of Auckland has a number of student-run clubs and societies related to computer science and blockchain: 1. Computer Science Society: The Computer Science Society is a student-run club that aims to promote computer science and related fields at the University of Auckland. The society organizes events such as hackathons, coding competitions, and industry talks. 2. Women in Tech: Women in Tech is a student-run club that supports women in the technology industry. The club provides networking opportunities, mentorship, and workshops on topics such as coding, data science, and blockchain. 3. Data Science Society: The Data Science Society is a student-run club that aims to promote data science at the University of Auckland. The society organizes events such as data analysis competitions, workshops on data visualization, and talks by industry professionals. 4. Blockchain Association: The Blockchain Association is a student-run club that aims to promote blockchain technology at the University of Auckland. The association organizes events such as blockchain hackathons, workshops on smart contracts, and talks by blockchain experts. 5. Computer Gaming Club: The Computer Gaming Club is a student-run club that focuses on gaming and game development. The club organizes events such as LAN parties, game development workshops, and talks by industry professionals. This is just one example at one university. Looking forward to connecting with more locals to help me reach out to and activate these cohorts. #NZisNEAR (can we get a regional hashtag trending?! #*insert your region*isNEAR