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Technology New Zealand Grants for Research and Development:

SmartStart

For external technical expertise only – short projects, maximum project period 3 months. SmartStart maximum grant value $5,000 on a matching funding basis – can be approved by Aoraki Development Trust within 2 – 3 days. For applications for grants of more than $5,000 use Techlink through normal TechNZ channels.

Note – A Smartstart application will only be processed if there is a credible prospect of a significant Research & Development project to be undertaken by the client firm following the provision of such assistance.

http://www.frst.govt.nz/business/fund_smartstart.cfm

TAP – Technical Assessment Project

This grant is for short projects (up to 6 month’s duration) to determine the feasibility of a technology prior to committing resources to a full scale research and development project – useful when developing a technology proof of concept. Matching investment, up to 50% of project cost, is available. For a TAP project, significant technical stretch must be evident.

http://www.frst.govt.nz/business/fund_TAP.cfm

GPSRD – Grants for Private Sector Research and Development

This grant programme provides the ideal entry level support into Research and Development for most companies. This grant suits Research & Development up to 12 months in duration and is ideally suited to prototype or manufacturing process or systems development. The maximum grant is $100,000, minimum $10,000. $1.00 support for every $2.00 you spend. The Research & Development project must present a clear technical stretch for the applicant company.

http://www.frst.govt.nz/business/fund_GPSRD.cfm

TBG – Technology for Business Growth

This grant programme is aimed at businesses that have undertaken Research & Development before and desires to increase their technical capability through embarking on a complex project with significant technical stretch and where external collaboration will also result in knowledge transfer to the applicant company. Matching investment up to $2 million is available. A very robust application is required.

http://www.frst.govt.nz/business/fund_TBG.cfm

TIF – Technology Industry Fellowships

TechNZ can support your company to employ senior undergraduate students ($10+GST per hour for up to 400 hours of work) as well as masters and doctoral students to work on your projects. Various levels of funding are available – see website. Contact the university for identification of students and for TIF Funding application. Secondment of an expert into your company to grow new technical capability is also available – salary support available.

http://www.frst.govt.nz/business/fund_TIF.cfm

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Grants

EDG – Enterprise Development Grant

This fund is available to entrepreneurs, start-ups, existing businesses and groups of three or more businesses. With regards to innovation, this grant can assist with technology-based training, feasibility studies, prototype development and IP protection and more. Grants are offered to successful applicants on a 50:50 reimbursement basis and up to a maximum of $20,000 from the Enterprise Development Fund each year.

http://www.nzte.govt.nz/section/12577.aspx

GSF – Growth Services Fund

This fund is intended to assist with new initiatives and new directions aimed at having a significant impact on the business leading to substantial, sustained growth. Co-funding of up to 50% will be offered by NZTE. With regards to innovation, this grant can assist with feasibility studies, prototype development and IP strategy development.

http://www.nzte.govt.nz/section/11964.aspx