Get your R&D plans funded
Just getting started with R&D, or looking to build your R&D capabilities from the ground up? The New to R&D Grant from MBIE could be exactly what you need.
Up to $400,000 in government funding is available to cover 40% of your R&D project costs.
Am I eligible for the New to R&D Grant?
Most NZ-based private-sector businesses should be eligible, but there is a tightly defined window to apply.
You need to have definite R&D investment planned, but not be too large or too well-supported already.
Early in the process, MBIE will assess your company's position and may determine you cannot proceed to a full application.
The key is timing. If you think you might qualify, it is worth getting advice early so you don't miss the window.
How we work with you for the New to R&D Grant
We simplify what feels overwhelming
Assess your position
Before you invest time in an application, we give you an honest, independent read on whether the grant is a good fit. We discuss your R&D plans confidentially and help you understand the best funding strategy and timing before you commit to anything.
Frame your project
How you describe your R&D project matters as much as the project itself. We advise on how to position your work to meet the grant criteria, so the application gives you the best possible chance of success.
Write your application
We write a well-crafted grant application on your behalf, drawing on our experience with what works. You stay focused on your business while we handle the drafting, review, and submission process.
Support you through the process
Got better things to do than studying tax law and depreciation schedules? We simplify and streamline the whole process so you get the credits you deserve, with refunds brought forward as early as possible.
What are the benefits?
The New to R&D Grant is built for businesses that want to become long-term innovators, not just one-time grant recipients. Beyond the funding, it helps you build capability in seven areas that matter for any serious R&D programme:
- Understanding and using customer input.
- Intellectual property.
- Regulatory and compliance.
- Lean R&D.
- Project management.
- R&D information management.
- Understanding ongoing funding from the R&D Tax Incentive.
What sets BlueRock apart?
We're built for New Zealand businesses. We move fast, charge fairly, and deliver great commercial outcomes. See what our clients say...
Tom Moore - Director
Tom leads BlueRock's New Zealand office and heads the Grants and Incentives teams across Australia and New Zealand. He's an expert in R&D tax incentives and funding, with global experience in NZ, Australia and the UK. With degrees in both science and finance, and extensive experience in business advisory, Tom has worked with garage startups, listed tech companies and everything in between.
Corey Laverty - Manager
Corey specialises in research funding, with over 11 years' experience in research management and advisory for leading Australian and European universities and research organisations. As a scientist who's also trained in economics, Corey brings the detailed understanding needed to write technical narratives and project pitches that hold up under scrutiny.
The New to R&D Grant is just the start
The New to R&D Grant is designed to get you R&D-ready, not to be a one-off payout. Once your grant period ends, the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) is the natural next step. The RDTI gives eligible businesses a 15% tax credit on qualifying R&D expenditure each year, and you can start transitioning to it as your grant wraps up.
BlueRock helps businesses through the full journey, from first grant application through to ongoing RDTI claims. If you're thinking about R&D funding, it's worth understanding both programmes from the outset so you can plan your approach.
R&D Tax Incentive FAQs
We’ve been able to help hundreds of innovative businesses just like yours to get the funding they need. If your questions aren't answered here, get in touch for a chat to learn more.
The New to R&D Grant is a government-funded programme for NZ businesses that are new to R&D. It provides up to $400,000 in funding over one or two years, covering 40% of eligible R&D project costs. Beyond the cash, it also helps businesses build the skills and systems needed to run effective R&D programmes long term.
Most NZ-based private-sector businesses that are genuinely new to R&D can apply, but eligibility is assessed within a defined window. You need confirmed R&D investment planned, but your R&D projects must not already be too large or too well-funded. MBIE will assess your company's position early in the process before a full application is invited.
The grant covers up to 40% of your eligible R&D costs, with a maximum of $400,000 available over two years. The remaining costs are funded by your business. The total funding pool is limited and applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis.
Yes. The New to R&D Grant is currently still available to eligible NZ businesses. Callaghan Innovation, which historically administered the grant, is being disestablished as part of wider government reforms, and the grant has transitioned to MBIE. Applications are still being processed. Contact BlueRock for the latest on availability and timing.
The grant is designed as a stepping stone into ongoing R&D investment. Once your two-year programme wraps up, the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) is the natural next step. The RDTI gives eligible businesses a 15% annual tax credit on qualifying R&D expenditure, and you can start transitioning to it as soon as you exceed the grant budget.
We’ve been able to help hundreds of innovative businesses just like yours to get the funding they need. If your questions aren't answered here, get in touch for a chat to learn more.
Not exactly. The New to R&D Grant is specifically for businesses that are new to R&D investment, not necessarily new businesses. Startups can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria, but so can established businesses that have not yet undertaken formal R&D. The focus is on your R&D history, not your company age.
BlueRock handles the full process. We assess your eligibility, advise on timing and framing, write the grant application, and manage the submission and liaison with MBIE. Our approach is staged so you get an honest read on viability early, before committing significant time or resources to the application.
Not simultaneously for the same R&D project, but you can transition from one to the other. The New to R&D Grant covers your eligible costs during the grant period. After that, R&D expenditure beyond the grant amount, or on new projects, can be claimed under the RDTI. BlueRock can help you plan both programmes from the start so nothing is left on the table.
In some situations yes, if you qualify for both and receive the grant first. If your business can access both, the R&D Loss Tax Credit can a cash refund for up to 28% of your business contribution to R&D – including the R&D performed under the grant. Because the rules and applications for this situation are complex, we recommend getting in touch before you apply for either program.
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