Kiwi Space Activator

Applications are open for the Kiwi Space Activator, a new pilot initiative designed to help New Zealand space innovators demonstrate their technologies in orbit or at high-altitude while working towards supporting government use cases for space technology.

We know that developing and commercialising space technology is capital-intensive and high-risk, and that flight heritage is critical for attracting customers and investors. This pilot programme will help overcome these barriers by co-funding demonstration missions and accelerating commercialisation.

This pilot is a first step towards the New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy 2024–2030 Objective of a national space mission. By supporting technology demonstration flights, we aim to strengthen domestic capabilities and build readiness to best position New Zealand companies for a future national space mission.

Programme overview

The Kiwi Space Activator is a pilot scheme intended to align with the New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy’s Objectives for:

• accelerating the demonstration of space technologies,
• unlocking trade and export growth opportunities for New Zealand space tech, and
• maturing national capabilities in readiness for a national space mission.

The aim is to provide flight heritage for New Zealand space hardware. In-space technology demonstration is a capital-intensive step in commercialising technologies. The pilot scheme is intended to offset some of these costs to alleviate this barrier to commercialisation. 

Additionally, applications intending on utilising a New Zealand-based platform (e.g. orbital vehicle, high-altitude platform, or an aircraft) to demonstrate their technology will be weighted positively during assessments in order to further support our growing space sector.

Kiwi Space Activator will enhance the credibility of New Zealand technologies to investors and customers globally.

Two rounds of funding

We intend to run 2 rounds of funding for the pilot initiative.

Funding available

A total funding pool of $1.8 million is available across 2 years.

Up to $600,000 can be awarded per project, with a minimum 30% co-funding requirement.

Round 1: Flight costs only with cash co-funding

Round 1 will fund flight costs only. Co-funding will be limited to cash contributions, counted only from the date funding is awarded. This focus is designed to target projects that are closest to being flight ready, closer to market, and better positioned to attract cash investment.

Round 1 is open from 12 December 2025 to 11:59pm 1 March 2026.

Round 2: Broader eligible costs along with flights and a mix of cash and in-kind co-funding

Round 2 will expand to allow a wider range of costs beyond flight only (including general research and development costs related to the payload), with the same funding amount as Round 1. Unlike Round 1, Round 2 will accept a mix of both in-kind and cash co-funding contributions. Note that higher proportions of cash over in-kind contributions will still be assessed more favourably as a stronger indicator of commercial potential.

Round 2 is open from 1 April 2026 to 11:59pm 25 May 2026.

Government challenges

The New Zealand Space Agency has partnered with other government agencies, including the multi-agency Maritime Security Oversight Committee (MSOC), the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and the Department of Conservation (DOC), to identify challenges in which space technologies can play a role in addressing. Applicants are encouraged to address 1 of 5 government challenges:

Alignment with 1 of the 5 identified challenges is included in the assessment criteria below. However, proposals for technology demonstrations outside these challenges will be considered.

The challenge-based Kiwi Space Activator provides market signals to technology developers and will grow connections between government end-users and the space sector. Agencies will gain exposure to novel space capabilities while suppliers will benefit from access to agency input on their products.

Assessment criteria

Applications will be assessed on the following:

• Technical merit and feasibility (35%).
• Commercialisation potential (25%).
• Contribution to Government challenges (15%).
• Use of New Zealand platform (10%).
• Co-funding strength (15%).

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding under the Kiwi Space Activator, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• The applicant must be a New Zealand-based legal entity (e.g., a New Zealand-registered company, New Zealand research organisation, or a consortium led by a New Zealand entity).
• The applicant must demonstrate relevant technical expertise and experience as well as adequate project management and financial systems.
• The applicant must show a pathway to commercialisation or operational deployment of the technology.
• The applicant must provide co-funding of 30% of project costs. Cash only is allowed for the Round 1, with a mix of cash and in-kind contributions possible for consideration in Round 2.
• The applicant must not represent a department of the public service as listed in Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act 2020.
• The applicant will not benefit a Russian state institution (including but not limited to support for Russian military or security activity) or an organisation outside government that may be perceived as contributing to the war effort.
• The applicant must comply with all New Zealand laws and regulations, including space-related regulatory requirements and export controls, and meet all applicable health, safety, and environmental requirements.

How to apply

To apply for Round 1 submit your proposal by the closing date using the template below and email to the New Zealand Space Agency.

Round 1 closes 11:59pm 1 March 2026.

Information on how to apply for Round 2 will be available in 2026.

Drop-in webinar

We will be holding a drop-in webinar session on the Kiwi Space Activator to answer questions you may have on how the pilot will work.

The webinar will be held on 21 January 2026.

If you are interested in attending the webinar email the New Zealand Space Agency.

Contact us

For any further questions email the New Zealand Space Agency.

This pilot programme is your opportunity to showcase New Zealand innovation in space and help shape the future of our space sector.

Media enquiries

For journalists and media professionals seeking interviews, statements, or information email MBIE media.