From Dead Batteries to Dynamic Startup: Meet the Founders Behind SoloBoost

Harry Pike and Jett Swanberg, both connected to the University of Otago, have turned a common frustration into a thriving business venture. Pike, a recent graduate from the Otago Business School's Bachelor of Commerce program, hails from Havelock North in Hawke's Bay. Swanberg, currently pursuing his studies at the same institution, brings a strategic mindset from Tauranga. The duo met during their time in the university's innovative Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr) program, where they developed the concept for SoloBoost during their fourth year. This compact, pre-charged phone charger addresses a critical need in high-energy environments like music festivals, where dead batteries can lead to isolation, safety concerns, and missed opportunities.

The idea sparked in 2024 at a festival when their phones ran out of power, preventing them from contacting friends, purchasing drinks, or arranging rides home. Recognizing this as more than mere inconvenience but a genuine safety issue, they invested approximately $7,000 to prototype and launch the product in 2025. Priced at around $20 per unit—comparable to the cost of a festival drink—SoloBoost is designed for affordability and portability, making it an essential accessory for New Zealand's vibrant summer festival scene, including events like Rhythm and Vines, Northern Bass, Rolling Meadows, and Fisher at Bay Oval.

SoloBoost Product Breakdown: Engineering Reliability for On-the-Go Charging

SoloBoost stands out as a pocket-friendly, rechargeable portable charger tailored for nightlife venues, festivals, and high-footfall events. Pre-charged and ready to use, it slips easily into a pocket or bag, providing quick power boosts without the bulk of traditional power banks. While exact specifications like milliamp-hour capacity are not publicly detailed yet, its design emphasizes speed, compatibility with major smartphones (including iPhone and Android via USB-C or Lightning), and durability in crowded, high-vibe settings.

The business model blends direct sales through their online shop and on-site availability at events, positioning SoloBoost as a 'grab-and-go' solution. Venues can stock them for impulse purchases, much like snacks or drinks. Early marketing targets festival-goers but also parents concerned about their children's safety at events, expanding into emergency kits and ski resorts. Swanberg describes it on his professional profile as a startup 'providing single-use mobile chargers,' suggesting a model where users buy for one-off high-drain scenarios, with the chargers rechargeable for reuse.

This innovation reflects practical problem-solving honed at university, where students learn to validate ideas through real-world testing. For those exploring careers in product development, resources like how to craft a winning academic CV can highlight such entrepreneurial experiences effectively.

University of Otago's Bachelor of Entrepreneurship: The Incubator for SoloBoost

The University of Otago's Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr) is a cornerstone of its commitment to fostering innovation. This 360-point, self-directed degree allows students to curate their studies around personal passions and global challenges, without a mandatory major. Core papers span responsible entrepreneurship (ENTR 111), business model development (ENTR 112), entrepreneurial capital (ENTR 211), sustainable practices (ENTR 212), technological innovation (MANT 301), and new venture strategy (ENTR 312).

Pike and Swanberg leveraged this flexibility during their fourth year to ideate, prototype, and pitch SoloBoost. The program's emphasis on practical skills—such as startup financing, team management, and pivoting from failure—directly empowered their launch. "It’s been a bit of a push having university and trying to start a business at the same time, but we still have a bit of fun," Pike noted, underscoring the balance encouraged by Otago. Graduates emerge equipped for startups, corporate innovation, or social enterprises, with alumni like Grace Buckley crediting it for launching her business.

Learn more about BEntr, a program building Dunedin's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Supporting Ecosystem: Audacious, Startup Dunedin, and Otago's Broader Initiatives

Beyond BEntr, Otago offers the Audacious Startup Programme, open to University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic students. It features workshops, expert coaching, and pitch challenges, with winners like Cheeky Tea Co. securing prizes and market entry. Startup Dunedin, funded by Otago Business School, the Polytechnic, and Dunedin City Council, has nurtured thousands of students over 20 years. Highlights include PledgeMe (crowdfunding platform) and PocketSmith (finance software), demonstrating long-term impact.

• Thousands of prototypes tested and pitched.
• 130+ pre-seed tech entrepreneurs supported via The Distiller co-workspace.
• Real-world resources like lab access and mentorship.

These initiatives embed entrepreneurship across disciplines, preparing students for New Zealand's evolving job market. Explore higher ed jobs in innovation roles or NZ university opportunities.

Challenges and Triumphs: Balancing Studies and Startups

Student entrepreneurs like Pike and Swanberg face unique hurdles: time management, funding bootstraps, and fear of failure. They invested personal savings amid coursework, learning to 'try, learn, and pivot.' Pike, the 'creative brain,' complements Swanberg's analytical strengths, a dynamic forged in BEntr teamwork exercises.

In New Zealand, where startup ecosystems rank #31 globally with $565M+ funding in 2025, university programs bridge gaps. University spinouts grew 14.6x in enterprise value from 2019-2025, fueled by programs like Otago's. Yet, as experts note, NZ universities must expand entrepreneurial education to match demand.

New Zealand Higher Education's Role in Startup Surge

Universities like Otago are pivotal in NZ's innovation landscape. The 2025 Tertiary Education Strategy highlights entrepreneurial skills gaps, urging expanded training. UC's Summer Startup Cohort 2025/2026 featured 23 ventures in fintech and sustainability, mirroring Otago's output.

Otago's approach integrates real-world application, producing alumni who launch ventures post-graduation. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice on balancing academics and ambitions.

Future Outlook: Scaling SoloBoost and Beyond

SoloBoost eyes expansion into emergency services, ski fields, and international markets. The founders aim for full-time commitment post-graduation, challenging youth startup stigmas. "There is a real fear of failing... SoloBoost exists because we were willing to try," they shared.

In a 2026 landscape with rising short-form events and digital dependency, demand for reliable charging grows. NZ's 776 startups signal momentum, with Otago alumni contributing significantly. Startup Dunedin overview.

Lessons for Aspiring University Entrepreneurs

Pike and Swanberg's journey offers actionable insights:

• Validate ideas from personal pain points.
• Leverage university programs for skills and networks.
• Embrace bootstrapping and iteration.
• Target niche markets like festivals initially.
• Balance with studies through time-blocking.

These align with Otago's teachings, preparing graduates for dynamic careers. Job seekers can rate professors via Rate My Professor or browse university jobs.

Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash

Implications for New Zealand Higher Education

SoloBoost exemplifies how NZ universities cultivate economic drivers. With programs like BEntr, Otago not only boosts graduate employability but seeds local innovation. As NZ eyes 2026 trends, including AI and sustainability startups, higher ed's role amplifies.

Stakeholders—from policymakers to parents—see value in such ecosystems, fostering safer, connected communities.