Catalyst Fund
The Catalyst Fund supports activities that initiate, develop and foster collaborations which take advantage of international science and innovation for New Zealand’s benefit.
International science and innovation connectivity is a key contributor to achieving the Government's vision for New Zealand's science, innovation and technology system.
Catalyst Fund objectives
The Catalyst Fund objectives include:
- Targeted international partnerships maximise the impact and quality of New Zealand science and innovation.
- Emerging international science cooperation opportunities are pursued and advanced to deliver benefits to New Zealand.
- International science and innovation is leveraged in key areas, delivering benefit to New Zealand at a faster pace, of better quality, or of greater impact than can otherwise be achieved.
Research priority areas
The current priority research areas for the Catalyst Fund are:
- Quantum technology
- Health and biomedicine
- Biotechnologies
- Artificial Intelligence
- Antarctic research
- Space and Earth observation
Catalyst Fund Investment Plan 2024 - 2028
Some Catalyst Fund programmes are devolved to the Royal Society Te Apārangi and the New Zealand Health Research Council and administered under an MBIE funding agreement.
Key performance indicator guidance
This document provides guidance on performance areas and sample key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used when applying to the Catalyst Strategic fund.
Catalyst Strategic performance areas and sample key performance indicators
Catalyst: Strategic performance areas and sample key performance indicators [PDF 125KB]
Contact us
For more information, email:
internationalscience@mbie.govt.nz
Subscribe to MBIE alerts to receive updates on new funding initiatives:
In this section I tēnei wāhanga
Catalyst Fund Investment Plan 2024-2028
Global connectivity to drive innovation.
New Zealand - China Strategic Research Alliance 2026 Call for Proposals
We are inviting proposals for joint research partnerships between New Zealand and Chinese research organisations.
New Zealand – United States Global Centers 2026 Call for Proposals
We will shortly be inviting proposals for New Zealand participation in the United States Global Centers 2026 funding round.
New Zealand – China Strategic Research Alliance 2025 Call for Proposals
We are inviting proposals for joint research partnerships between New Zealand and Chinese research organisations.
Funded projects
Recently funded initiatives from the Catalyst Fund.
Catalyst Strategic performance areas and sample key performance indicators
This page can guide you through the development of key performance indicators for research projects/programmes funded through the Catalyst Fund – Strategic.