Technology Transfer Voucher

The Technology Transfer Voucher

The Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) has a Technology Transfer Voucher scheme available to private sector businesses who have limited experience working with state sector research providers. MSI state “The Technology Transfer Voucher makes it easy for businesses to work with research organisations on research and development (R&D) projects. The voucher is available to businesses that need external expertise to answer their R&D questions. Vouchers are aimed at businesses requiring R&D expertise in high value manufacturing and services as this sector is being targeted by Government for economic growth.

R&D Partners to the Technology Transfer Voucher Programme

Businesses can redeem an MSI Technology Transfer Voucher for R&D services with one of the 14 R&D partners listed below.

AgResearch
Cawthron Institute
Auckland University of Technology
Industrial Research Limited
Lincoln University
Massey University
Otago Polytechnic
Plant & Food Research
University of Auckland
University of Canterbury
University of Otago
University of Waikato
Victoria University of Wellington
WelTec

What Industry Sectors are Eligible to Apply for the Voucher?

The scheme is designed to support businesses with limited or no R&D capabilities, or who lack the specific in-house capability to carry out a research project. The scheme is aimed at businesses with minimal use of, and relationships with, publically funded research organisations. To apply for the voucher your business must be operating in an eligible sector. Eligible sectors include novel materials, manufacturing and applications; health and medical technologies; information, communications and digital technologies; and agri-technologies.

Novel materials, manufacturing and applications includes "new products and services created by transforming materials and/or automating production, and improved efficiencies in production from new engineering tools or processes".

Health and medical technologies: includes "new and emerging technologies that impact on human health and wellbeing. This includes diagnostic and imaging devices, health IT, drug discovery and delivery systems, and assistive and rehabilitative devices. Health services research is not included".

Information, communication and digital technologies; includes "productivity improvement tools, data management tools, communications technologies and digital tools for creativity".

Agri-technologies; includes new and emerging technologies based on "New Zealand's expertise in the agriculture and other primary sectors, particular those technologies that exploit crossovers between agriculture and new materials, information and communications technologies, and health technologies".

How Much Funding is Available?

MSI advise that “Vouchers will provide 50 per cent funding towards businesses’ R&D projects to enable them to access research services and expertise from accredited R&D partners. Businesses must pay the other half. The voucher will match dollar-for-dollar a business’s contribution towards their R&D project and businesses need to be able to contribute a minimum of $30,000. Vouchers can range from $30,000 to $1 million (GST exclusive). If you are considering a larger R&D project (requiring a voucher larger than $200,000) you need to discuss your proposal with the Ministry of Science and Innovation. Vouchers only cover costs incurred by the research organisation as part of the R&D project. The voucher does not cover any company-related or in-house costs. Vouchers will be awarded through an on-demand process for businesses and projects which meet the eligibility criteria and fit with the objectives of the programme. Once awarded a voucher, you have three months to find and engage a research organisation for your R&D project”.
 


What can I use the Voucher for?

Product and/or process design activities. This includes engineering or technical design expertise to determine prototype structure, function and/or materials.

Trial production runs or trial processes to demonstrate the feasibility of a technical concept.

Product testing as part of the product’s development. Product testing includes validation or demonstration of the technical capabilities of a product, process or a service. This category also includes scaling-up a process, stability testing or reproducing a process.

 

You cannot use the Voucher for:

Standard training courses
Software purchases
Design and production of advertising material
Sales activities
Business plans and economic appraisals
IP licensing
Website development and online optimisation
Testing to achieve compliance with statutory regulations or other relevant standard
Purchasing of off-the-shelf plans, products, drawings and designs





Our Experience

Applied Support Services has over 20 years experience assisting companies obtain government grants. For help applying for government business grants contact us.

 Descriptions of the Technology Transfer Voucher are summarised from information sourced from the Ministry of Science and Innovation.


Useful Links:

Sources of business funding and support.
Government business grant templates.
Ministry of Science and Innovation R&D grants.
Network of commercialisation units of Universities and Crown Research Institutes (Kiwinet).
Research and development project services.
Applied Support Services home page

More Information about Business Grants:

Find out how New Zealand government business grants work.
Small Research & Development grants.
Large Research & Development grants.
Student grants for Research and Development.
Technology Transfer Vouchers for Research & Development.
Agricultural grants.
Energy grants.

 

This page was last updated on 23 August 2011

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