TechNZ
Project funding

TechNZ project funding provides support for potential high-growth companies to undertake research and development projects to develop new technology products, processes or services.

TechNZ will look to invest $40 million in 2010/11 through TechNZ project funding. Investments will be made in a range of companies, from early stage to mature companies across a broad range of sectors.

TechNZ project funding provides co-funding towards the costs of technically challenging R&D projects, generally at a rate of 50%. These projects must lead to significant business growth.

In selecting our investments, we look for committed founders and company managers who have enthusiasm, integrity, and a deep understanding of the market. These are people who will have a strong clear vision for their companies to be world leaders in their market with products, processes or services that deliver customer value.

Initial funding can be provided to prove that technically developing a product is feasible. Further funding can be provided to complete the R&D. However, support for a product once it is ready for market, such as marketing and branding, is not covered. NZ Trade and Enterprise may be able to help you with these activities.

The Foundation does not take an equity stake in a company it invests in, and these companies are not normally required to pay back any of the funding they receive.

Download the TechNZ project application form.

Business eligibility

TechNZ project funding is available to businesses at all stages of growth. 

A business must be a person or entity that is in business and resident in New Zealand.

Businesses may not be an entity established under the Education Act 1989, Crown Research Institutes Act 1992, Local Government Act 2002 or the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000; or an entity that is 50% or more owned by one or more of those types of entities.

TechNZ project funding process

Project funding is an on-demand process.

We use a six step process:

1. Discuss your project or new product ideas with your regional business partner or your Foundation investment manager
2. Apply for funding
3. Funding decision is made
4. Contract is established
5. Payment is made
6. Evaluating success

Timeline

The size of your project investment will determine how long the process will take. Typically small TechNZ project funding through regional business partners will take several weeks while large investments can require sign-off from our management and board, and will take longer.

Next steps

Are you new to TechNZ or Research and Development?

If you haven’t worked with us before, are considering undertaking R&D for the first time or want to undertake a small project, please contact your nearest regional business partner.

Have you worked with TechNZ before?

If you have successfully received TechNZ investment in the past, contact the nearest Foundation office or your investment manager.