Education
ALTeR designs and delivers specialised undergraduate and graduate-level courses, creates certifications and organises hackathons to crowdsource ideas and engage students and start-ups in real-world problem-solving.
Courses
Shaping the Law in Tech-Driven Era
This course provides a deep dive into the intersection of law and disruptive technologies, emphasising the legal, ethical, and societal challenges posed by innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, quantum computing, and beyond. The aim is to equip students with a foundational understanding of these technologies, not just their applications, but the principles behind how they are built, and how computational thinking shapes their design and function.
Start-up Law
This course covers the key legal and business considerations involved in launching and growing a start-up in New Zealand and the broader Oceania region. From the initial idea and financing to company formation, intellectual property protection, and exit strategies, students will gain practical knowledge in advising early-stage companies, their founders, and investors. The course balances legal principles with economic insights, preparing students to effectively support new ventures, both from a legal and business perspective.
Will be introduced in 2026
Workshops
AI Governance: Building Sustainable and Scalable AI Products in New Zealand
Date: May 2025
Overview:
This workshop will explore how New Zealand can lead the way in responsible AI governance. Participants will gain insights into designing AI products that align with international standards and prioritise the protection of local rights and values.
Key discussions will include ethical AI development, regulatory frameworks, and scalability, with a focus on how products built in New Zealand can grow globally. This workshop is ideal for AI developers, legal professionals, and policymakers focused on future-proofing AI products.
Key Topics:
- Ethical frameworks for AI development
- Navigating New Zealand’s AI regulations
- Building scalable AI that respects global rights and local values
- Practical tools for ensuring AI governance at scale
Start-up Workshop for Legal Tech
Date: June 2025
Overview:
This workshop is designed for legal tech startups looking to build, scale, and refine their products. From ideation to market entry, we’ll cover how to create a strong legal tech solution that addresses the needs of the modern legal industry. Founders will get practical advice on product development, funding strategies, scaling, and overcoming common startup challenges in the legal sector. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and a clearer path forward for growing their business.
Key Topics:
- From concept to product: Legal tech development strategies
- Securing funding and investment for your legal tech startup
- Scaling your business: Operational, legal, and market considerations
- Collaborating with law firms and legal professionals
Trainings
Training on Measuring and Improving Sustainability
Date: August 2025
Overview:
This training session will delve into how businesses and organisations can effectively measure sustainability across different industries. Participants will explore key metrics for assessing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, as well as practical steps for improving sustainability practices. This workshop is designed for professionals who are looking to adopt sustainable practices and measure their impact, as well as legal professionals who want to understand sustainability regulations.
Key Topics:
- Key sustainability metrics and how to track them
- Integrating sustainability into business operations
- Legal frameworks and regulations surrounding sustainability
- Tools and technologies for improving environmental impact
Hackathons
Legal Tech Hackathon
The Legal Tech Hackathon is a groundbreaking event bringing together law students, technology enthusiasts, and business minds to tackle real-world challenges facing the legal industry and beyond. As the first event of its kind in New Zealand, participants will collaborate to create innovative solutions that address existing business challenges in the legal sector. This unique event provides an opportunity for students to apply their skills in law, technology, and business, all while networking with industry professionals and contributing to the future of legal innovation.
More information soon!