News and Updates

Private Sector Research

New Zealand’s private sector research is an area undergoing exciting developments:

• Private investment in R&D is growing faster than the OECD average
• The New Zealand Government is committed to encouraging more firms to undertake in-house R&D
• The Ministry of Economic Development (MED); the Ministry for Research, Science and Technology (MoRST); the Ministry of Education (MinEdu); the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST); the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC); New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) all constitute Governmental innovation agencies which also link with private enterprises
• Strengthening international connections continues to enable businesses’ access to leading-edge knowledge and technology

Financial assistance

Private sector research relies on funding from corporate, charitable and contestable government sources.

FRST provides a wide range of assistance to private companies, from funding and expert advice to networking and facilitating connections with other organisations.

 

• TechNZ Technology funding provides support for potential high growth companies to undertake R&D projects to develop new technology products, processes or services
• TechNZ Capability funding provides support for both early stage companies to contribute their R&D efforts, and mature companies to help them exploit emerging areas of science and technology
• The Global Expert search service locates pre-screened experts who can assist in solving a broad range of business problems

 

Financial assistance not directly related to R&D is also available from NZTE:

• The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) for Capability Building assists businesses reach their growth potential by co-funding the cost of increasing skills and expertise
• The EDG Market Development Programme helps businesses expand into new international markets or undertake a new activity in an existing market
• The Enterprise Culture and Skills Activities Fund promotes attitudes, values and skills that support entrepreneurial activity and business success in New Zealand

Please visit the following sites for full details:

• Foundation for Research, Science and Technology Funding for Business (TechNZ)
• New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

New Zealand research providers

New Zealand’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) provides a list of New Zealand research providers (LRP) here. This list is not conclusive and only represents R&D providers who have listed themselves on the IRD website.

Some other examples of world-class private New Zealand companies conducting R&D are:

	NextWindow – an international leader in the development of optical multi-touch technology and the manufacture of optical multi-touch screens, overlays and OEM touch components
	OPUS – a leading international multi-disciplinary consultancy providing specialist advice and project management in areas such as highway asset development and maintenance; architecture; structural design; infrastructure development; asset management; water management; and environmental planning
	Pacific Edge Biotechnology Ltd (PEB) – a biomedical company developing and commercialising technology for cancer detection and management
	GFG Group – a world-leading supplier of consumer electronic payments software and card payment solutions, including CadencieTM and SimfonieTM
	Potatopak NZ Ltd – a multi-award winning company that manufactures innovated 100% biodegradable food serving and packaging products