Scheme Overview
Research Consortia
Research consortia are significant, longer-term research contracts between the government and partnerships.
Partnerships involve private companies, industry groups or entities that use research, and research organisations.
The research this scheme supports
This scheme supports:
- basic-targeted, applied and development research, through to early prototype development
- the development of plans and market-needs analysis to assist with project selection and commercialisation, provided these are a minor proportion of the overall costs.
What this scheme aims to do
Through investment in research consortia, the Foundation? seeks to:
- facilitate public/private research partnerships that provide early user engagement and increase private investment in New Zealand; and
- invest in research through user-led research consortia in partnership with research providers. Partnerships will have clearly defined pathways to the implementation and commercialisation for their intended research outcomes.
Who can apply for this funding
Research organisations and private organisations - both New-Zealand-based and internationally-based (where the latter can demonstrate a benefit for New Zealand).
Consortia? must include at least two users, or an industry “representative body” and at least one research organisation. The research organisation may partner with the users or be contracted by them.
Vote Research, Science and Technology and Vote Education funds will not be considered eligible as co-funding contributions.
See the request for expressions of interest and guidelines from the current investment round for more information on who is (and is not) eligible for funding.
Research priorities
The table below sets out areas the Foundation has identified as priorities for investment. The investment priorities are focussed on research aimed at secondary and tertiary production, and we will continue to encourage research aimed at primary production.
| Investment Priority | Foundation research portfolio | Short title |
|---|---|---|
| Research closely aligned to national priorities for primary production. | Primary production, quality and assurance |
PQA? |
| Sustainable production systems | SPS? | |
|
Research focused on adding value through advanced manufacturing (secondary production). Products are more technologically complex. Could be within any sector, including the primary sector. |
Niche biological products and services | NBP? |
| Innovative foods |
INF? | |
| High value manufacturing processes, products and materials | MAN? | |
|
Research focused on adding value through services (tertiary production). Examples of tertiary production: IT (software and hardware), telecommunications. |
Building knowledge-intensive service industries | SER? |
Current funding available
For information on whether funding is currently available in this portfolio, visit the funding summary page.
Past investment
Use our research database to see details of research consortia we have invested in.
For more information
A Foundation business manager is the primary contact for all applicants. If your organisation does not have a business manager, or you have questions about the process, email investments@frst.govt.nz.