If you’re planning to grow through innovation, or you’re investing in R&D in the areas of science and technology, our specialist Navigators can help you access the right advice, contacts and programmes, including funding through Callaghan Innovation. Find out what type of support your business could be eligible to access.

Who should apply?

There are varying criteria for each type of grant and innovation support, but there are common criteria that your business needs to meet. If your business meets all the initial criteria below, you can start an application today.

• GST-registered in New Zealand
• New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)
• Operating in a commercial environment
• Privately owned business or a Māori Trust or incorporation under the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 or be a similar organisation managing Māori assets under multiple ownership.

As part of the application process, an Auckland Business Chamber Navigator may contact you to discuss your key priorities and the support available to help you achieve them.

Callaghan Innovation’s New to R&D Grant supports entrepreneurs at the “getting started” stage of their innovation journey: You’ve formed a business around your exciting new idea or concept, are looking for some initial research and development (R&D) funding, and would benefit from starting your own in-house  R&D to put you on the path towards commercial success

The grant comes in two parts, which work in parallel:

1. First project funding
   Applicants will also put forward a proposed plan and budget for their first structured R&D project, to push forward their new idea or concept. This first R&D project often has the steepest learning curve and the most exciting, future defining outputs, and provides vital hands-on experience to use for many years to come.
2. Building skills and capabilities
   Our scientists, engineers and R&D experts have identified six areas of essential skills and capabilities that innovators should possess to become long term R&D performers. Applicants choose learning activities that are most likely to fill skill gaps,directly impact the progress of their idea and enhance their R&D project.. These activities include a broad range of training courses, workshops, internal assessments and other forms of learning.

If eligible, you could receive up to $400,000 in Government co-funding (40% of a $1m project) to create your first structured, in-house R&D project, whilst actively building your team’s skills and capabilities across six key areas, as identified by our scientists, engineers and R&D experts.

Every business is unique, so your R&D should be unique too. All of this new and unique knowledge has a positive impact on the innovation ecosystem, which in turn plays a vital role in driving economic growth and future prosperity in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Time to start your venture’s first “proper” R&D project? Get in touch with your Auckland Business Chamber Customer Navigator, or visit our website to find out more.

Have any questions? We’re happy to help

For specific advice and access to government support that is currently available please contact 0800 543 543  or email your enquiry to [email protected]