Capability Funding Research and Development Grants
Ministry of Science & Innovation Capability Funding R&D Grant
The Ministry of Science and Innovation has two types of Capabaility Funding available. A "Getting Started" grant and a "Technology Expert" grant.
Getting Started Grant
The "Getting Started" grant is available to "support expert advice to assist with a new opportunity or remove a roadblock, stimulate R&D or technology commercialisation activities. Funding is for external activities only". The Getting Started grant has up to $5,000 ex GST and is for external costs only. Funding can cover:
Intellectual Property Advice: Intellectual property advice including "freedom to operate".
Technology Expert Input: This includes developing and reviewing project plans, technical feasibility, mentoring, milestone review and development of a prototype.
Commercialisation Expertise: For example identifying customer requirements.
Technology Expert Grant
The “Technology Expert”’ programme helps companies exploit emerging areas of science and technology. These grants can help address technical feasibility, commercial feasibility and proof of concept research. "Technology expert funding aims to grow capability within firms by partially funding the costs for an expert to work on a technically challenging research and development project". The expert will provide either (a) specialist technical expertise for an R&D project; or (b) experience in commercialising the results of research to better define or target a future R&D project.
Applicants are expected to have a sound financial history with good growth prospects. The key features of the Technology Expert grant are described below.
How Much Funding is Available?
A maximum of 50:50 funding is available up to $30,000 excluding GST.
The project should have a budget no greater than $60,000 excluding GST. Normally no more than 30% of the budget is allocated for internal costs and the balance, 70%, allocated for external costs. The grant can cover up to 100% external costs but the internal costs cannot exceed 30% of the budget total.
Example:
If you apply for $60,000 up to $18,000 excluding GST can be allocated to internal costs such as salary and wages of staff working on the R&D project. The balance of the $42,000, excluding GST, can be allocated between external R&D experts and any externally supplied materials and consumables that are required for prototypes and experimentation.
External Experts
The project must be a “technical stretch” for your company. This means you need to engage outside or external experts to help solve technical problems or overcome technical challenges. External experts, or research and development partners, may include scientists, technologists, engineers, IT specialists, university or Crown Research Institute staff and other qualified professionals and experts in different fields of knowledge. Experts in intellectual property protection strategy may be included. However there is a proviso that the costs of applying for patent protection are not eligible.
Project Technical Description
The project must be a technical stretch for your company and build the technical capability in your firm. You will need to present a business case that new knowledge is being brought into your company and what new capabilities you anticipate gaining. You will need to provide a breakdown of the main research and development project objectives, success factors and their likely completion dates.
The Marketing Case
Your business case must demonstrate a market demand for the product or service arising from the research. Your marketing plan must include a description of your target market, the market size, your anticipated market share and your market entry strategy. You will need to analyse your competitor’s strengths and weaknesses and outline your unique selling proposition. Your IP protection strategies will need to be explained.
Financial History
You must provide financial records to demonstrate you can fund your share of the project costs. It is mandatory to provide a brief financial history for your business for the last three financial years. It is also generally expected that you show your full set of accounts for the last three years to the Regional Technology Partner who reviews your application. The financial disclosure for this grant usually includes:
• Annual revenue
• Annual profit
• Number of staff
You will also be asked to disclose export turnover, your annual research and development budget and number of R&D staff. You will also be asked to supply your "Current Statement of Financial Position" and the most recent set of management accounts.
On Line Application
This grant is applied for on line.
Time Frame
The project must be completed within 12 months of approval.
Payment of the Grant
Payment is made upon completion of the R&D project. Applicants must pay for the cost of the project in full before claiming the grant.
Regional Technology Partners
These grants are administered by a network of Regional Technology Partners. Technology New Zealand "Regional Technology Partners" appointed to deliver this funding are listed on our business grants page. Contact the Regional Technology Partner closest to you to discuss your project.
Applied Support Services can assist you with:
Applied Support Services are experienced helping companies apply for this grant. We use an agenda and template driven process. We can help you with the online documentation, on-line submission and liaison with your Regional Technology Partner. When you have completed the project we can help you with your reporting and claim. To learn more contact us.
Useful Links:
How to report and claim your Under $30k grant.
Government business grant templates.
Ministry of Science and Innovation R&D grants.
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 20 July 2011
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