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 incubated 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 Institute 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.
This investment will roll out in two phases, starting with an open contest to select around 5 concepts, which will receive seed funding to develop full proposals for further assessment.
This new investment aims to:
- Support AI research that pushes the boundaries and creates novel value propositions that give New Zealand a durable competitive edge and lifts economic growth and productivity.
- Strengthen and build domestic and international AI research and commercial connections to increase the impact and benefit of this investment for New Zealand.
- Underpin creation of a world-class AI institute that will drive creation of high-tech, knowledge-intensive firms that will grow New Zealand’s economy.
Who can apply
The funding opportunity seeks a driven, ambitious team that can deliver a strategic longer-term research agenda, build an ecosystem that grows New Zealand’s AI technology capability, and connect to relevant global research groups and industry. It is essential that the team can successfully bring together science and industry partners and build a high-performing consortia.
To be eligible for funding under this Call for Proposals:
- The applicant is an industry or research organisation, or an entity specifically set up to represent and manage the partnership. The applicant must be a New Zealand-based legal entity.
- Most of the research and related activities are to be undertaken in New Zealand, unless the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology agrees there are compelling reasons not to.
- The applicant organisation is not a department of the public service.
Ineligible proposals will not be assessed.
The application process
Applying for funding comprises 2 phases.
- Phase 1 Concept selection: An open contest to select around 5 applicants, who will receive seed funding to develop a Platform Proposal for further assessment.
- Phase 2 Platform selection: A closed contestable process to select the Platform. It is intended that only one proposal will be funded, although the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology may support more than one proposal with the final funding, term, and work programmes subject to negotiation. The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology may choose not to invest in any proposals.
| Phase 1 Concept Selection | Phase 2 Platform Selection |
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Key dates
- Phase 1 applications open on 23 October 2025.
- Phase 1 applications close 20 November 2025.
- Phase 1 decisions December 2025.
- Phase 2 proposals due 31 March 2026.
- Phase 2 decisions Q2 2026.
Applicant online community
NZTech is facilitating an online community (Circle) to support researchers in building connections that could lead to the formation of an AI consortium and provide access to key information about the AI investment opportunity.
Join AI Forum New Zealand(external link) — Circle
Further investment information
AI research focus
Definition of AI in this context
Application process
Assessment process and criteria