What this funding is for

The New to R&D grant helps your business start its first research and development project.

Research and development involves creating new or improved products, services, or technologies. It can include researching ideas, testing solutions, and developing innovations for customers or markets.

The funding will support you to:

  • carry out your first R&D project
  • build your R&D skills and knowledge
  • reduce the cost of doing R&D

The grant covers 40% of eligible costs and your business pays the remaining 60%.

Type
Grant
Amount
40% of R&D and capability development costs. Up to $400,000 over the life of a project, up to two years
Co-funding
Yes, 40% government grant, 60% paid by your business
How it's allocated
Funding is allocated on a first come, first served basis
Availability
Open
Application effort
Moderate effort, four to 12 hours

Who this funding is for

This grant is for New Zealand businesses starting their first ever R&D project. 

Your project must involve developing new knowledge, products, services, or technology where the outcome is uncertain.

Business type
New Zealand businesses new to R&D
Business size
Small, usually less than 20 full-time employees (FTE)
Business stage
Early-stage R&D
Business goal
Develop new products, services, or technology

What to know before you apply

Your share of the project costs can’t be funded through other New Zealand government grants or public funding.

Apply to MBIE for the New to R&D Grant

Find out if you’re eligible and apply to Innovation Services on business.govt.nz.

Learn more about

Funding options