Ember Innovations
Ember Innovations is a kaupapa-driven nonprofit in Aotearoa New Zealand that funds, develops, and distributes culturally grounded digital mental wellbeing tools—primarily for rangatahi Māori—through research grants, venture support, and an extensive community ecosystem under parent Ember Korowai Takitini.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersAuckland, New Zealand
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Ember Innovations does
Ember Innovations is a kaupapa-driven (purpose-driven) nonprofit social innovation organization headquartered in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, operating as the dedicated innovation arm of Ember Korowai Takitini, one of the country's leading mental health NGOs. Founded in 2019 with a team of 1-10 employees, the organization exists to change the way Aotearoa responds to mental wellbeing by funding, developing, and distributing culturally grounded digital tools and services to address a documented gap in which approximately 825,000 New Zealanders who seek mental health support are not receiving it. Its portfolio spans multiple evidence-based digital products: BRO, a chatbot-based safety planning app co-designed with rangatahi Māori (Māori youth) and released in 2024; Headstrong, a free bicultural and bilingual digital wellbeing tool; The Gift Box, a recovery-focused clinical tool based on the Re-covery Model and integrating CBT, DBT, strength-based, solution-focused, and trauma-informed approaches; Gaming Habit Hacker, a web-based intervention for gaming disorder validated through a 200+ participant randomized controlled trial; and the IPMHA practitioner platform for integrated primary mental health and addictions service delivery. These are complemented by Wellsphere, an online community platform for mental wellbeing innovators, plus innovation challenges, venture support, and research grant programs that back community-led researchers and changemakers.
The organization's revenue model is philanthropic rather than commercial: it operates as a grant-giving entity, distributing research and innovation funding sourced from charitable foundations, impact investors, and co-investment relationships. Digital tools are provided free to end users via app stores and the web, and pricing is not disclosed because no traditional product/service pricing model exists. Its go-to-market is community-led, mobilizing tangata whaiora (people seeking wellbeing), whānau (families), rangatahi (youth), funders, and systems leaders through co-design workshops, kōrero sessions hosted on Humanitix, Instagram/LinkedIn social channels, newsletters, events, and a 2025 Impact Report. Customer segmentation is horizontal, serving researchers and innovators, rangatahi Māori youth, community advocates, funders, and policy/systems leaders—anchored in a formal commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership and kaupapa Māori approaches. Ember's competitive position rests on cultural legitimacy, an extensive community ecosystem (35+ disclosed partners including iwi organizations, the University of Auckland, AUT, Foundation North, Youthline, and impact investors), and research-grade product validation rather than scale economics or proprietary technology moats.
Ember Innovations firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ember Innovations
- Legal name
- Ember Innovations
- Website
- https://emberinnovations.nz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Ember Innovations is a kaupapa-driven nonprofit in Aotearoa New Zealand that funds, develops, and distributes culturally grounded digital mental wellbeing tools—primarily for rangatahi Māori—through research grants, venture support, and an extensive community ecosystem under parent Ember Korowai Takitini.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ember Innovations industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mental Health Innovation Services
- NAICS
- Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Human Rights Organizations (813311), Software Publishers (5132)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Health Access & Social Care Innovations (Community Health, Telehealth for Underserved) (BPAGALAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Meditation Apps, Digital Courses & Online Communities (HSADAJAH), Growth Mindset, Motivation & Goal-Setting Programs (EDAMAIAE)
Keywords
Where Ember Innovations is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Auckland
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
Ember Innovations business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Research Grants and Philanthropic Funding: Ember Innovations operates as a grant-giving organization, distributing research funding to innovators, researchers, and community-led projects focused on mental health and wellbeing. Funding comes from philanthropic organizations, co-investors, and civic groups.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Ember Innovations product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ember Innovations is a kaupapa-driven nonprofit that supports mental health and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand by funding innovative research, developing digital mental health tools (BRO, Headstrong, The Gift Box, Gaming Habit Hacker, IPMHA platform, smoking cessation app), running innovation challenges, providing venture support to changemakers, and operating the Wellsphere online community for innovators. Activities are grounded in lived experience, mātauranga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and are funded through philanthropic and civic grants distributed to researchers, innovators, and community partners.
Product overview
Ember Innovations is a social innovation organization focused on transforming mental wellbeing support in Aotearoa New Zealand. Rather than a single unified technology product, their portfolio comprises multiple digital tools and services: BRO (a chatbot-based safety planning app), The Gift Box (a recovery-focused mental wellbeing tool), Headstrong (a bicultural digital mental health tool for rangatahi Māori), and Gaming Habit Hacker (a web-based intervention for gaming disorder). These are complemented by Wellsphere (an online community platform), Innovation Challenges, Venture Support services, and Research Grants that fund equity-driven mental health research. The organization operates as part of Ember Korowai Takitini, one of Aotearoa's leading mental health NGOs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Wellsphere: An online community for innovators to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge within the mental wellbeing innovation ecosystem.
Products and services
- BRO (Bro Reach Out) A chatbot-based safety planning app designed to support young people in Aotearoa New Zealand when feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or struggling. Through guided chat, BRO helps users build personalised safety plans by recognising warning signs, identifying coping strategies, and connecting with trusted people and crisis contacts.
- The Gift Box A recovery-focused mental wellbeing tool based on the Re-covery Model framework, integrating CBT, DBT, solution-focused approach, trauma-informed care, and narrative components. Designed for clinicians, peer support workers, and service users in forensic, community, and school settings.
- Headstrong A free, evidence-based digital tool designed to support mental well-being among rangatahi Māori and other young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. The app delivers brief, chat-like sessions in a bicultural and bilingual format.
- Gaming Habit Hacker A brief web-based intervention for gaming disorder, designed for youth and adults with varying levels of problematic gaming severity. Participants receive personalised gaming reduction plans, online coaching with feedback, and weekly check-ins over 28 days.
- Wellsphere
Quantifiable outcome
- Gaming Habit Hacker achieved 90% completion rate at 4-week post-intervention and ~80% retention at 6-month follow-up (compared to industry average of 65% and 24% respectively)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Ember Innovations
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Ember Innovations technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability3 records
Feature6 records
Ember Innovations partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
30 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Ako ManaakiminorPartner organization in Ember's innovation ecosystem working with communities and innovators on mental wellbeing initiatives.
- Ara TaiohiminorPartner in the youth development and mental health ecosystem, supporting rangatahi and community-led innovation.
- Auckland UniservicesminorResearch and development partner affiliated with University of Auckland, supporting academic research initiatives.
- AUT (Auckland University of Technology)minorAcademic partner supporting research and innovation in mental health and wellbeing.
- Boma GlobalminorGlobal innovation partner supporting systems change approaches to mental wellbeing.
- Breathing SpaceminorMental health support organization in the innovation ecosystem.
- Changing MindsminorMental health advocacy and support organization partnering on systems change initiatives.
- DovetailminorPartner organization supporting mental health innovation and research.
- eMHIC (eMental Health Innovation Centre)minorDigital mental health innovation center supporting technology-based solutions.
- FASD CANminorOrganization supporting those affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, part of the broader disability and mental health ecosystem.
- GPNZ (General Practice New Zealand)minorPrimary care network supporting integration of mental health services in general practice settings.
- Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed FuturesminorResearch center focused on future-focused policy and systems thinking for mental health.
- NetsafeminorOnline safety organization supporting digital wellbeing and harm prevention initiatives.
- Neurodiversity in Education ProjectminorProject supporting neurodiverse learners and mental health in educational settings.
- Ngāhere CommunitiesminorMāori community organization supporting rangatahi wellbeing initiatives.
- Ngāpuhi Social ServicesminorIwi-based social services organization supporting Māori whānau and community mental health.
- Ngāti Hine Health TrustminorMāori health trust providing kaupapa Māori health services and supporting innovation.
- Northable Matapuna HauoraminorHealth organization supporting wellbeing and hauora initiatives.
- Paihere Charitable TrustminorCharitable trust supporting community wellbeing and mental health initiatives.
- Pou PasifikaminorPacific peoples' advocacy organization supporting Pasifika mental health and wellbeing.
- Pūkenga PsychologyminorPsychology practice supporting mental health research and innovation.
- Purpose PartnerminorStrategic partnership organization supporting social impact initiatives.
- Shore JunctionminorYouth innovation hub supporting rangatahi-led initiatives and mental health.
- Te Hau Ora o NgāpuhiminorMāori health organization supporting iwi-based wellbeing initiatives.
- Te Hiringa Mahara (Mental Health Foundation)minorMental health foundation supporting innovation and advocacy in mental wellbeing.
- Te Ngākau KahukuraminorMental health and addiction sector support organization.
- TheMHS (The Mental Health Foundation)minorMental health charity supporting innovation and awareness initiatives.
- University of AucklandcoreMajor academic partner supporting research projects including HOTSPOTS evaluation, IPMHA digital tool development, and ethnicity data research. Multiple research collaborations with university researchers.
- Young Neurodiversity ChampionsminorOrganization supporting young people with neurodiversity and mental health.
- YouthlineminorYouth mental health organization supporting rangatahi and young people's wellbeing.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Ember Innovations competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Foundation North: One of New Zealand's largest community foundations providing philanthropic grants for community wellbeing. Listed as a financial partner of Ember, and comparable as a grantmaking peer funding community-led mental health and social innovation in Aotearoa.
- Ākina Foundation: New Zealand social enterprise and impact-investment intermediary providing venture support, capability building, and challenge funds. Directly comparable to Ember's venture support, innovation challenges, and grantmaking functions targeting social innovators.
- Lowitja Institute: Australia's community-controlled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research institute. Comparable to Ember's kaupapa Māori, lived-experience-led research model applied to Indigenous health innovation in a neighbouring jurisdiction.
- Headspace Australia: Australia's primary youth mental health organization providing digital tools, clinical services, and research. Comparable to Ember's Headstrong and BRO products in targeting youth mental wellbeing with culturally adapted digital interventions across the Tasman.
- Youthline New Zealand: NZ youth helpline and support service with both helpline and digital channels. Comparable as a partner-tier peer serving the same rangatahi wellbeing segment, and explicitly listed among Ember's strategic ecosystem partners.
- ReachOut Australia: Australia's leading digital mental health service for young people, providing self-help information, peer support, and clinical tools online. Directly comparable to Ember's Headstrong, BRO, and Gaming Habit Hacker as digital-first, evidence-based youth mental wellbeing products.
- Le Va: New Zealand's Pacific mental health and addictions NGO delivering culturally grounded programmes and innovation. Directly comparable to Ember's kaupapa Māori, lived-experience-led approach applied to Pasifika communities in Aotearoa.
- Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (Te Hiringa Mahara): New Zealand's national mental health charity focused on wellbeing promotion and advocacy. Directly comparable to Ember as a peer nonprofit in NZ mental health, and listed as one of Ember's strategic partners — overlapping in kaupapa, audience, and systems-change orientation.
Broad incumbents
- Movember Foundation: Global men's health foundation funding mental health research, programs, and digital tools. Comparable to Ember as a larger, grantmaking peer investing in mental health innovation and digital interventions at scale.
Emerging players
- Inspiring Stories: NZ trust supporting young changemakers and social entrepreneurs through venture-style programmes and storytelling. Comparable to Ember's venture support and rangatahi-facing innovation pipeline as an adjacent emerging player in the youth social innovation space.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Ember Innovations social profiles
Digital presenceEmber Innovations financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ember Innovations leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Ember Innovations funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ember Innovations M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ember Innovations
What does Ember Innovations do?
Ember Innovations is a kaupapa-driven nonprofit that supports mental health and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand by funding innovative research, developing digital mental health tools (BRO, Headstrong, The Gift Box, Gaming Habit Hacker, IPMHA platform, smoking cessation app), running innovation challenges, providing venture support to changemakers, and operating the Wellsphere online community for innovators. Activities are grounded in lived experience, mātauranga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and are funded through philanthropic and civic grants distributed to researchers, innovators, and community partners.
Is Ember Innovations a public or private company?
Ember Innovations is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Ember Innovations founded?
Ember Innovations was founded in 2019. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Ember Innovations based?
Ember Innovations is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does Ember Innovations make money?
One revenue line is on record: research Grants and Philanthropic Funding.
Who are Ember Innovations's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Foundation North, Ākina Foundation, Lowitja Institute, Headspace Australia, Youthline New Zealand, ReachOut Australia, Le Va and Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (Te Hiringa Mahara). Movember Foundation is listed as a broad incumbent. Inspiring Stories is listed as an emerging player.
Does Ember Innovations have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ember Innovations.
What industry is Ember Innovations in?
Ember Innovations's product category is Mental Health Innovation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAG, Health Access & Social Care Innovations (Community Health, Telehealth for Underserved), with a secondary code of HSADAJAH, Meditation Apps, Digital Courses & Online Communities. Its NAICS code is 813212 and its SIC code is 8300.