The aim of the partneship is to produce a new breed of entrepreneurs in Christchurch by establishing an innovation hub at Ara's city campus from October.
The Ministry of Awesome is an organisation that helps start-up businesses.
Chief Awesome Officer Marian Johnson said the hub would be part of the city's business "eco system".
Christchurch was in need of new ideas and projects with the rebuild of most the central city, she said.
Ara Head of Business Department, Michaela Blacklock, said the hub would provide a mentoring programme, professional resources and the opportunity for members to pitch start-ups to potential investors.