FAQs and Eligibility Criteria
Can I still apply for a student grant?
If you have previously received a student grant, you are not eligible to apply for the New to R&D Grant. However, if you are approved for a New to R&D Grant, you may apply for a student grant in the future.
Are companies that have received an R&D Loan eligible for this grant?
Your business must not have received any government funding for R&D greater than $5,000 on or since 1 July 2019 including Callaghan Innovation grants or loans, the Research and Development Tax Incentive, the R&D Loss Tax Credit or any other government funding intended to support R&D.
Are companies that have received a Repayable Grant under the Technology Incubator scheme eligible for the New to R&D Grant?
If your business has not received any government funding for R&D on or since 1 July 2019 you may be eligible to apply; however, if you received funding prior to 1 July 2019 but continue to have an active Repayable Grant, a further review will be undertaken to assess eligibility.
If I have had a Getting Started Grant previously, can I still apply?
Your business must not have received any government funding for R&D greater than $5,000 on or since 1 July 2019 including Callaghan Innovation grants or loans, the Research and Development Tax Incentive, the R&D Loss Tax Credit or any other government funding intended to support R&D.
If I have had R&D Project Grant co-funding previously, can I still apply?
Your business must not have received any government funding for R&D greater than $5,000 on or since 1 July 2019 including Callaghan Innovation grants or loans, the Research and Development Tax Incentive, the R&D Loss Tax Credit or any other government funding intended to support R&D.
If I have a New to R&D Grant, can I also apply for an Ārohia Innovation Trailblazer Grant?
Yes. Applying for or receiving the New to R&D Grant will not prevent you from being eligible to apply for the Ārohia Innovation Trailblazer Grant.
If I am claiming R&D under the RDTI, can I still get a New to R&D Grant?
Your business must not have received any government funding for R&D greater than $5,000 on or since 1 July 2019 including Callaghan Innovation grants or loans, the Research and Development Tax Incentive, the R&D Loss Tax Credit or any other government funding intended to support R&D.
What’s the difference between the New to R&D Grant and the R&D Project Grant?
Project grants were to assist businesses with a discrete R&D project. New to R&D is all about assisting businesses that are New to R&D to develop their R&D capability. Undertaking the R&D is a secondary objective of the grant.
Will the New to R&D Grant be based on projects like project grants or activity like RDTI?
The New to R&D Grant will be based on approved R&D activities that have a defined outcome. However, capability development activities to enable a recipient to conduct sustainable R&D will be supported also.
Is the New to R&D Grant just a replacement for Project Grants?
No, this is not a replacement for project grants. Only a portion of this grant can be used for R&D. The balance must be used to develop R&D capability. If your business does not need to develop R&D capability, you will not be eligible for the grant.
What is the co-funding rate?
R&D is co-funded at 20% for up to half of the maximum amount of the grant. The remaining funds must be spent on R&D capability development costs which are funded at 100%.
Is there a cap?
The maximum grant amount that can be received is $400,000. Half of which can be used for R&D and the other half for R&D capability development.
What are the rules around overseas expenditure?
Approval for overseas labour expenditure is at Callaghan Innovation's discretion and will be subject to the business demonstrating that the capability cannot be sourced in New Zealand. Materials and consumables purchased from overseas are allowed.
Can I get more than one New to R&D grant?
This Grant is all about building R&D capability and so this is a once only grant. Once you have built your R&D programme, you will be provided with guidance on how to access the Research and Development Tax Incentive.
Do approved R&D providers need to be used as per the RDTI?
No - the work must be undertaken by the business as the intent is to build the business into a future R&D performer.
Can I apply if I do not need any capability development activities?
No - if you do not need any capability development, you are not eligible and should move to RDTI.
Updated: 15 February 2023