News

$17.25m wool research consortium set up

admin — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:53:55 +1300

The Government has announced the investment of $17.25 million over five years in a wool research consortium tasked with lifting the economic return of the wool industry.

The announcement was made today by Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp and Agriculture Minister David Carter.

“The Government’s investment in this consortium demonstrates its ongoing commitment to this important industry,” say the Ministers.

Twenty-six high-tech businesses receive TechNZ funding up to $92m over three years

Anna Dawson — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 09:16:08 +1300

Ninety-two million dollars over three years is to be invested in 26 R&D-savvy businesses through the Foundation’s new Technology Development Grant programme.

The investments start at $490,000 and range up to the maximum level of $7.2 million over three years. Companies span a range of sectors including manufacturing, biotechnology, 3D scanning and modelling, furniture design, digital technologies and software.

First of new research vouchers awarded

Anna Dawson — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:48:15 +1300

Auckland-based produce company Fresh Direct Ltd has been awarded the first of the Government’s new Technology Transfer Vouchers, Minister of Research, Science and Technology Wayne Mapp announced today.

Fresh Direct will use the $190,000 investment to work with Industrial Research Ltd to develop a new portable machine that will help process vegetables on the farm.

Research and innovation award for higher education web application

Anna Dawson — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:44:44 +1300

OceanBrowser’s flagship web application, developed with TechNZ funding, has won the 2010 Otago Business Excellence Awards, Research and Innovation Prize.

To be released in 2011, OceanBrowser 3 (OB3) will revolutionise how online content is delivered in postgraduate education, with an entirely new way to create, manage, and interact with online documents.

Wanted: Providers for commercialisation centres

Anna Dawson — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:18:45 +1300

The Foundation today released the Request for Proposals: Commercialisation Centres document on our website. This RFP is part of our National Network of Commercialisation Centres work stream, announced by the Government as part of the May budget. You can find the RFP here.

We are looking for a limited number of providers (formed from partnerships between existing research organisations) who will each set up a centre. The individual centres are then expected to operate as a network which will evolve over time.

Animation studio launch opens doors to hot jobs

Anna Dawson — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:02:29 +1300

New Zealand’s first purpose-build computer-generated (CG) animation studio has opened in Auckland with the support of TechNZ funding.

The Oktobor Animation studio was created and launched by Omnilab Media and Oktobor—it’s award-winning visual effects and animation studio—and Backyard Animated Pictures (USA).

The launch, on 12 November 2010, was attended by the Minister of Research, Science and Technology Dr Wayne Mapp and Nickelodeon Animation Studios general manager Mark Taylor among industry, government and media representatives.

Keeping Rex one step ahead

Anna Dawson — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:30:21 +1300

The New Zealand company that launched a robotic exoskeleton to enable wheelchair users to stand and walk in July this year has received further TechNZ investment of $1.63 million to build a second version.

The funding from TechNZ, the business investment arm of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, is being matched by the company.
Foundation Group Manager of Manufacturing & High-Growth Firms Richard Bentley, says it is crucial that innovative firms such as Rex Bionics stay ahead of their competition.

Developing plant derived foods to keep us feeling full

Anna Dawson — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:50:57 +1300

Discovering how plant foods reduce appetite and keep people feeling fuller for longer is a new Plant & Food Research programme receiving investment from New Zealand food companies and government.

The six-year research programme has secured $19.2 million over six years from the Foundation for Research Science & Technology together with substantial financial backing from both Zespri and Sanitarium as well as Hansells Food Group, Comvita, NZ Extracts, Simplot, Bell Tea & Coffee and input from Yarrows.

Technology Transfer Voucher

Anna Dawson — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:44:41 +1300

New funding to access high-quality science and research expertise to realise innovative ideas is now within reach for more Kiwi businesses.

Vouchers will be awarded to businesses with limited or no in-house research and development (R&D) capability, and with well-defined problems or ideas that will benefit from the R&D expertise and services in a research organisation.

Acting Chief Executive announced

Anna Dawson — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:40:50 +1300

Richard Templer has been appointed as acting Chief Executive (CE) of the Foundation effective 1 November 2010. He was formerly Foundation General Manager Industry and Environment.

Richard replaces Murray Bain who takes up his new position as Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) CE from 1 November 2010.

Richard will be acting till 1 February 2011, when the Foundation will be disestablished. This date is dependent on legislation being passed by Parliament before Christmas.