Grants and advice for research and development projects
As New Zealand’s largest government funder of research and development (R&D), the Ministry of Science and Innovation ( MSI) is charged with building links between business, government and research organisations to improve New Zealand’s prosperity and wellbeing through science and innovation.
We invest in businesses that have the potential to transform our economy. We provide funding, support and advice to help companies undertake R&D projects and build their R&D and commercialisation capabilities.
On this page:
- How R&D can improve your business
- Business support available from MSI
- How to apply for MSI funding
- The MSI funding process
How R&D can improve your business
Business R&D is a key driver of innovation, business success and economic growth. Good ideas can lead to new products and services, added value and smarter ways of doing things. Ultimately, R&D can lead to the point of difference that sets a business apart.
Our high technology sector underpins our export economy, ranking only second to the dairy sector. The 2011 Technology Investment Network (TIN100) Report shows the following data about the Top200 high-tech companies in New Zealand:
- Combined revenues of $7.0 billion
- Exports in excess of $5 billion
- Employed 30,000 staff:
- Since last year, R&D spend has grown by 14 per cent to over NZ$400m for all 200 companies.
MSI has supported the majority of these businesses. Talk to us about how we can help your business innovate and grow.
Business support available from MSI
We work with businesses regardless of size to find out what they need and provide access to funding, advice and support to achieve their goals.
Whether you are a small start-up or a large established exporter, MSI can tailor a package to help you develop your business and get your products to market faster. We can connect you to global experts, research partners and companies with complementary skills and advice in commercialisation and intellectual property.
General eligibility criteria
To qualify for funding from us, your business must:
- be a person or entity that is in business and resident in New Zealand.
- not be an entity established under the Education Act 1989, Crown Research Institutes Act 1992, Local Government Act 2002 or the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000; or an entity that is 50 per cent or more owned by one or more of those types of entities.
Specific eligibility criteria
Many MSI business funding products have specific eligibility criteria:
- Technology Development Grant
- Technology Transfer Voucher
- Undergraduate Internships
- Postgraduate Internships
How to apply for MSI funding
If you haven’t worked with MSI before, are considering undertaking R&D for the first time or want to undertake a small R&D project, contact your nearest NZTE MSI Regional Business Partner.
If you have received investment from MSI in the past, contact the nearest MSI office or your investment manager.
If you are seeking support to help prepare a product for the market (e.g. for marketing or branding projects), contact New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
The MSI funding process
The following MSI products are run as annual contestable funding rounds:
To be kept up to date with these rounds please subscribe to MSI Alert.
All other products are available on-demand. The size of your proposed project will determine how long the assessment process will take.
- This information is provided by
Ministry of Science and Innovation | Build your business
