Investment funds

We invest in science through contestable funding rounds. This investment supports programmes which build high-performing science and innovation systems that will transform New Zealand into a more diverse, technologically advanced and smart nation.

In this section

Commercialisation Partner Network

The Commercialisation Partner Network (CPN) builds the capability to turn science findings into commercially viable products.

Catalyst Fund

Supporting activities that initiate, develop and foster collaborations which take advantage of international science and innovation for New Zealand’s benefit.

COVID-19 Innovation Acceleration Fund

From April 2020 to June 2020, we called for expression of interests for COVID-19 Innovation Acceleration Fund funding. The initial size of the Fund was $25 million (excluding GST) with an anticipated minimum proposal size of $50,000 (excluding GST) and a criteria that projects needed to achieve impact within 18 months.

Curious Minds

Through Curious Minds, the Government support activities, projects and programmes that work with communities, businesses and educators to boost engagement between science, technology and society. Curious Minds encourages all New Zealanders to ask good questions, solve local problems and uncover innovative science and technology solutions for a brighter future.

Endeavour Fund

The Endeavour Fund plays a unique role in the science system through an open, contestable process with a focus on both research excellence and impact.

Envirolink Scheme

The Envirolink Scheme funds Crown research institutes, universities and private research organisations to provide regional councils with advice and research on environmental projects.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Capability Fund

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Capability Fund seeks to support research organisations to identify and break down barriers to attracting, retaining and growing an equitable, diverse and inclusive workforce.

Extreme weather science response

The government reallocated $11.31 million for urgent scientific research and data collection to support the response to and recovery from the early-2023 extreme weather events in the North Island.

He whakawhānui i te pāpātanga o Vision Mātauranga – mahere haumi 2023

Ko te whāinga o te kaupapa Whakawhānui i te Pāpātanga o Vision Mātauranga he whakamanea, he whakatipu hoki i ngā pūkenga Māori i roto i te rāngai rangahau, pūtaiao me te auaha hoki, e āhei ai te Māori ki te urungi haere, me te whai wāhi hoki ki te pūnaha rangahau.

Expanding the Impact of Vision Mātauranga – 2023 investment plan

The Expanding the Impact of Vision Mātauranga initiative aims to attract and grow Māori talent in the research, science and innovation sector enabling Māori to better navigate and participate in the research system.

MBIE Science Whitinga Fellowship

The MBIE Science Whitinga Fellowship is aimed at supporting excellent early career researchers impacted by COVID-19 in the New Zealand research science system. This is a one-off initiative and will provide support of around $10 million over two years for 30 Fellows.

National Science Challenges

The National Science Challenges were established in 2014 and aim to tackle the biggest science-based issues and opportunities facing New Zealand.

Partnerships

Supporting high-quality research aimed at increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of New Zealand’s economy.

Strategic Science Investment Fund

The Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) supports strategic investment in research programmes and scientific infrastructure that have long-term beneficial impact on New Zealand’s health, economy, environment and society.

Regional Research Institutes Initiative

The Regional Research Institute (RRI) initiative established new, independently governed, private or private not-for-profit regional research institutes.

Who got funded

Grants for scientific research and associated activities since 2007.

Te Tahua Whakakaha o Te Pūnaha Hihiko

Ka haumi ake te Tahua Whakakaha o Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga ki te whanaketanga o ngā tāngata me ngā whakahaere pūkenga nui e whakaaro ana ki te mahi, e mahi ana rānei i te mahi rangahau e tautoko ana i ngā tāhū me ngā putanga o tā mātou kaupapahere Vision Mātauranga.

Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund

Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund invests in the development of skilled people and organisations that undertake research supporting the themes and outcomes of our Vision Mātauranga policy.