R&D Experience Grants

R&D Experience Grants is sponsored by Callaghan Innovation (New Zealand Government's Innovation Agency). This grant supports businesses in New Zealand in hiring a student intern for 10 weeks to assist with Research and Development (R&D) projects.

Disestablishment Updates | Callaghan Innovation Callaghan Innovation - Disestablishment Updates Callaghan Innovation is being disestablished as part of the Government’s wider science, innovation and technology system reforms, announced in January 2025. Our operations will continue to wind down over the coming months, with the organisation scheduled to fully wrap up in 2026.

Our remaining products and services remain available and supported, with the focus now on transferring them to the new Public Research Organisations (PROs). Products and services still available and supported The products and services listed below remain available and are set out by the Public Research Organisation (PRO) they will transfer to. Products and services transferred to MBIE also appear separately below.

This page will continue to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information throughout the transition. We recommend checking back regularly for updates. In the meantime, if you have any questions our teams are here to support you.

Transferring to the New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute A new PRO focused on research and innovation in the biological and primary sectors. We put world-class problem-solving expertise and R&D facilities at your fingertips, with a streamlined focus on driving innovation in biotechnology.

Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA) Find value in your organic by-products, with the help of the brightest scientific minds from four leading research organisations. New Zealand Food Innovation Network (NZFIN) Access advanced food and beverage development facilities, alongside expert support, helping take your innovation ideas from test kitchen to global success.

Transferring to the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) NZIAT is a new PRO focused on commercialising advanced technologies like AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology. NZ Product Accelerator (NZPA) Find new connections and fresh perspectives that can help you transform your thinking and create new momentum for your product opportunities and challenges.

HealthTech Activator (HTA) Bring your health technology innovation to life, positively impacting the well-being of patients globally, through specialist tools, expertise, and events. Transferring to the New Zealand Institute for Earth Science This new PRO will be formed by merging NIWA and GNS Science, with a focus on earth systems and the environment.

Measurement Standards Laboratory Solving measurement R&D roadblocks, and supporting NZ’s economic growth through world-class measurement standards and advice. Transferring to the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science Currently no Callaghan Innovation functions are transferring to this PRO. The products and services listed below have now transferred to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

You’ll continue working with the same teams and accessing the same products – they’re just now delivered from within MBIE. The links below will take you to the MBIE webpages for each product or service, where you’ll find updated information, guidance and contact details. Your existing points of contact remain the same, and you can continue to reach them through the usual channels.

Kick start your first commercial research and development (R&D) project, and gain new R&D skills and capabilities. Pay it forward. Kick off someone's R&D career and we'll help with the costs.

Add Capability, Not Cost. Grants available for employing interns to your R&D operation. Claim a 15% tax credit on your eligible research and development costs, with free tailored support from our dedicated team.

Startup and founder support Turbo-charge your startup with accelerators and other growth programmes, delivered by trusted partners. Project Grants, R&D Loans & Transition Support Payment Active grants for existing customers will be transferred Frequently asked questions Do I need to do anything right now? No. If you’re using one of the services listed above, there’s nothing you need to do.

You can continue working with our teams as usual. If anything changes that affects you directly, we’ll be in touch. Can I still apply for funding or support?

Yes. If the service is listed above, it’s still operating and accepting applications or enquiries. You can continue to apply or engage with our teams as you normally would.

How will I know when a product or service transfers? We’ll provide updates as transition dates are confirmed. If you’re directly affected, we’ll contact you to let you know what’s changing and when.

What if the service I use isn’t listed here? We’ve retired a number of products and services, and the ones listed above are the ones confirmed to continue and transfer to a new organisation. If you’re unsure about the status of a specific service, feel free to contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Are more services expected to be retired? At this stage, no additional services are expected to be retired. The products and services listed above are the ones continuing and confirmed to transfer.

If anything changes, we’ll keep customers informed.