New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology
The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology was announced as the fourth Public Research Organisation, and will be a cornerstone of the Government’s goal to grow a high-tech, high-value economy.
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Currently being developed within MBIE, its focus is on accelerating economic growth through cutting-edge science and innovation, strengthening New Zealand’s advanced technology sector and boosting its contribution to a more productive, innovative economy.
About the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology
The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology’s purpose is to connect researchers, industry, and investors - unlocking insights that drive scientific discoveries in advanced technologies for real-world impact and economic growth.
The Government has announced 2 major investments in a science platform focused on Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies, and to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) research and commercialisation. These initiatives aim to strengthen New Zealand’s capability in advanced technologies and unlock new economic opportunities across sectors such as health, energy, transport, and the space industry.
The Institute will operate from a central hub in Auckland once established, supported by a network of strategic research investments across the country. This collaborative model will enable partnerships with universities, industry and existing research institutions to deliver transformative outcomes for New Zealand.
Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies Platform
The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology’s first investment was announced in May 2025 in a new advanced technology science platform focused on Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies.
The platform host, Paihau—Robinson Research Institute, based out of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, is known for world-leading expertise in superconductors, magnets and materials technologies that have many applications, including developing portable MRI machines and building smaller, faster engines. This platform will enable innovation to improve our daily lives while boosting economic growth in sectors such as health, transport, energy and the space industry.
Funding is being provided over seven years through the MBIE-administered Strategic Science Investment Fund and was the first step towards establishing the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology.
Artificial intelligence research platform
The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology AI Platform is a new government-funded initiative, endorsed by the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council, to advance world-leading artificial intelligence research that makes sense for New Zealand to undertake - research that is strategically aligned with national priorities and focused on delivering commercial outcomes
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an advanced technology that holds significant economic potential. It is pervasive across sectors, rapidly developing, and able to make direct and immediate improvements to economic productivity. It is already characterised by multiple applications, and its potential to be combined with other technologies opens a wealth of possibilities for future uses.
Up to $70 million will be invested over seven years to create a centre of gravity for AI research in New Zealand – one that builds capability, delivers excellent science with flow-through to commercial outcomes, and is internationally recognised and regarded.
Quantum technologies
The Government has launched a $1.35 million discovery phase to explore a national quantum technologies (QT) research platform aimed at creating jobs, attracting partnerships, and boosting New Zealand’s economy. The QT discovery phase is the third activity of the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology. It intends to explore New Zealand’s domestic QT capabilities and international opportunities for commercialisation, to see whether and how further investment can support cutting-edge research and commercial opportunities.
Research in quantum technologies builds on the science of how particles behave at the smallest scales. Atoms and particles don’t follow the "normal" rules of physics, and understanding these principles opens up new possibilities. These technologies – including in computing, communications and sensing – offer transformative opportunities to solve complex problems and create secure information systems, advanced materials and ultra-precise measurement tools. For example, in Australia, quantum gravimeters have led to mineral discoveries worth more than AUD$6 billion, by detecting subtle variations in Earth’s gravitational field caused by hidden mineral deposits or oil reserves. Quantum sensors also make medical imaging much more precise, which can allow more accurate surgery and can lead to early detection of diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The discovery phase will run from December 2025 to June 2026 and will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers and businesses to explore both scientific and industry capabilities and needs. If the discovery process shows readiness for a QT investment, then the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology will move ahead with design and initiation of a QT research platform.