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Current funding available
For industry groups

Research Consortia

The Research Consortia scheme funds significant, longer-term research contracts between the government and partnerships.

The scheme addresses industry development bottlenecks that affect a range of companies and industries. We aim to encourage proposals that are industry-led and that have the broad objective of transforming sectors where there is no existing consortium.

The scheme intends to:

  • Provide a vehicle for stronger industry involvement and decision-making that facilitates early end-user engagement
  • Bring together funding and private companies’ expertise, where no single entity could provide the outcome required.
  • Increase private investment in R&D in New Zealand. The Government will match industry contributions. Note, however, Vote Research, Science and Technology and Vote Education funds will not be considered eligible as co-funding contributions. 
  • Support basic-targeted, applied and development research, through to early prototype development. This investment may also support the development of plans and market-needs analysis to assist with project selection and commercialisation.

Who can apply for this funding

Private organisations and research organisations — New-Zealand-based and off-shore (where the latter can demonstrate a benefit for New Zealand).

Consortia must include at least two users, or an industry ‘representative body’ and may include research organisations. The research organisation may partner with the users or be contracted by them.

Funding available

We are currently accepting expressions of interest and full applications for second-cycle consortia. Please contact the Foundation directly for further information about funding available.

Size and duration of consortia investments

The consortium must invest a minimum of $500,000, which the Foundation will match on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Above $2.5 million per annum, the Foundation investment may decline from this ratio.

The contract term is for a maximum of seven years or as long as is needed to achieve the outcomes sought, whichever is the shorter.

Proposals can be submitted for either:

  • new proposals or second-cycle funding
  • growth or extension funding

Further information

Download the Request for Expressions of Interest and Guidelines document here.

Email investments@frst.govt.nz with any enquiries about Research Consortia.