New to R&D Grant NZ: is it the right funding path?

Who it may suit

• Companies starting to build formal R&D capability for the first time
• Businesses with a defined R&D programme, not just a broad idea
• Companies with a credible project budget
• Companies able to fund their share of a co-funded project
• Companies not yet established as ongoing R&D performers

Who it may not suit

• Idea-only businesses with no defined project
• Companies with no project budget
• Companies unable to fund their share
• Companies already running material, ongoing R&D, where RDTI is usually the better fit
• Businesses doing routine development only, with no genuine technical uncertainty

Common mistakes

The most common mistake is treating the grant as free money for any new product. It is co-funded, tied to a defined project, and expects the work to be genuine R&D. The second mistake is applying when the business is really at idea stage, with no budget and no project scope. The third is missing that RDTI, capital or sector support may be the better first route.

What to check before spending time

• Whether the work is actually R&D, with a real technical or scientific uncertainty
• Whether the project is defined, with a clear scope, plan and budget
• Whether matched funding is available to cover your share
• Whether RDTI may be more relevant
• Whether startup support or sector support is a better first step

Official sources to check

General information only. Confirm current criteria, rates, caps and process on official pages before you apply, claim or act.