Callaghan Innovation R&D Experience Grants (New Zealand)

You’ll embed one or more students into the teams within your business that are undertaking research and development. They’ll get real-world experience of how science, technology, engineering and design works inside of a business, and how R&D creates appealing products and services. The awarded grant funds the entirety of the students’ wages during their internship.

In return you’ll get access to inquisitive minds and fresh thinking that will help you overcome research challenges and accelerate the development of your products or services.

The aim is to create a new generation of Kiwi innovators, dreaming big and having a positive impact on Aotearoa New Zealand.

Funding Information

Eligible businesses will receive funding of $10,400 (plus GST) for 400 hours of full-time work upon proof of payment to the student. Public holidays and statutory holidays are included within this funding. Under the grant scheme, participating students will receive a minimum of $26.00 per hour.

Who can apply?

• R&D Experience Grants are targeted at businesses who are actively engaged in eligible R&D projects.
• To apply for the grant, your business should be able to provide an experience which provides the student with useful experience and plays a positive part in their professional development. You must:
  • Have an active R&D programme within your business i.e. R&D budget and technical R&D staff.
  • Meet financial due diligence requirements.
  • Employ the student on the payroll (you must provide payslips at claiming (note: public and statutory holidays are supported within the funding).
  • Pay the student a minimum of $26.00 per hour.
• Your organisation must be an eligible business entity:
  • Incorporated in New Zealand and Registered under the Companies Act.
  • Registered under the Limited Partnerships Act.
  • A Māori incorporation or trust established under the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act, a trust set up to manage assets as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement, a Māori statutory body, or a business controlled by one or more of these entities.
• There are limits in place as to how many students businesses can apply for. Businesses can apply for a maximum of 10 R&D Experience Grant students, as long as the student/R&D personnel ratio is met for all active student grants (Fellowship Grant, Career Grant or Experience Grant).
• Recruiting suitable students
  • Organisations wishing to take on a student intern funded by the grant must ensure that their candidate is:
  • Studying, or has recently completed, an undergraduate or postgraduate degree or qualification at NZQA level 6-10. If the study has been completed, the closing date of their final semester should be less than 12 months ago.
  • Studying, or has studied, science, technology, engineering, design or business at a New Zealand tertiary education institute.
  • Legally permitted to work in New Zealand.
  • Has not been previously employed at the business in either a full-time or part-time permanent position (temporary short-term employment is permitted).
  • Has not undertaken more than two R&D Experience Grant internships with the same business.

For more information, visit Callaghan Innovation.