Business research and development (R&D) is a key driver of innovation, business success and economic growth. Good ideas can lead to new products and services, smarter ways of doing things and a point of difference that sets a business apart and on the path of adding value.

R&D gives business the edge they need to survive and thrive in a fast-changing and increasingly competitive market place. New Zealand’s most successful companies are those that invest regularly in R&D.

TechNZ – the Foundation’s business investment programme – helps businesses access funding, support and advice. We invest in companies with the aspiration and drive to grow and become internationally competitive.

If your business is developing products or enhancing existing ones, we want to hear from you.

TechNZ has a range of services to help businesses grow through R&D. Whether you are a small start up or a large established exporter, we can tailor a package to help you develop your products and get to market faster.

Technology Development Grant
Businesses can now register their interest for this grant with us. We have published a Request for Proposals for the Technology Development Grant which sets out the eligibility criteria, the registration and application process, and what information businesses need to provide. Please read this if you are thinking of applying.

Registrations will close 5pm, 17 September 2010.  We encourage you to register early to allow as much time as possible to prepare your application, should you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Once registered, you will be sent an application form if you meet the minimum eligibility criteria. If you do not meet these criteria, you will be contacted by a Foundation Investment Manager to discuss what other funding options may be suitable for your business.

For more details on the grant please visit the Technology Development Grant web pages.

Technology Transfer Voucher
The voucher will be introduced in phases from 1 November 2010 – starting with a limited number of accredited research organisations and businesses in the high value manufacturing and services sector. This will allow us to monitor, and adjust the programme to expand to other sectors. 

We are currently in the process of accrediting six research organisations – likely to be a mix of different types (eg, CRI, university, research association or polytechnic), and spread across the country – to work with businesses in the high value manufacturing and services sector. 

A business can only redeem vouchers with these accredited research organisations.  A list of the accredited research organisations will be published in October. 

The scheme will be open for applications from 1 November 2010.

For more details on the voucher please visit the Technology Transfer Voucher web pages.

Other TechNZ funding options
Please note we also have a range of other support available to assist businesses of all sorts and sizes doing R&D - from expert advice with R&D strategy, employing student interns, through to undertaking large, high-stretch R&D projects.

Visit TechNZ web pages to find out more  >>