The team included students and graduates from Wintec and the University of Waikato, graduates from Wintec's tertiary partners in China and academics from Chengdu University of Information Technology.
However, it was a local team, Brown & Down Boys, that stole the show — a family team of father and son, Edward (Ted) Pogai and Christian-Lee Pogai, 12, and their friends Livi Hirawani, 15, Adam Williams, Porourangi Gudgeon and Maari Renee Moke.
Brown & Down Boys won the Peoples' Choice and the Best Pitch awards with an Airbnb-style concept to respond to the issues New Zealand marae are facing to maintain their facilities.
Their concept — an authentic tourism experience for participating marae — won the hearts of the audience and judges through its sharp and at times witty delivery, combined with an idea designed to create "win-win" partnerships.
Winners of the Most Innovative Idea, team Casually Yes, developed Hook Me Up to bring the fishing community together through a web-based programme to hook anglers up with boat owners and create a more valuable fishing experience.
Soda Inc chief executive Erin Wansbrough said the weekend had been a gripping journey for the 15 teams and everyone involved was "better together" for it.
"By expanding our thinking, we go beyond competition, as competing is not the best path to success. Challenging rather than collaborating, can lead to demise.
"The theme Better Together positively influenced the start-up ideas developed by these 15 teams.
"Their ideas address the issues of a modern world and respond through taking a collaborative, community approach," she said.
