New grants highlight importance of science and innovation
Science and InnovationA new round of technology grants to 19 businesses emphasizes the importance the Government attach to Research, Science and Technology, says Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Wayne Mapp.
The $50 million in Technology Development Grants are the second round of grants since the scheme was announced as part of Budget 2010. That Budget provided a $321 million boost in Research Science & Technology activities.
“The first round of these grants totalled $92.6 million to 26 businesses, and were announced in December 2010,” says Dr Mapp.
“The only way we can create the jobs, higher incomes and better living standards New Zealanders deserve is through building faster and sustainable economic growth. Research Science and Technology will help achieve that that goal.
“To that end, it is vital that high-tech, exporting companies maintain their competitive edge in global markets.”
The latest series of grants range from between $300,000 and $5.9 million. All of the grants are over three years, and will give the companies more financial certainty over that period. They will be able to speed up the development of innovative products and services and get them to market faster.
Manufacturing, biotechnology, medical technology, electronics, agri-technology, and software development business are all recipients of today’s grants.
The grants are valued at 20 per cent of the R&D spend of each business, up to a maximum of $2.4m per year for three years.
The latest recipients of the grants are:
|
Business name and specialty |
Location |
Approved maximum investment (GST excl.) |
|
Actronic: Electronic measurement and control products and software-productivity solutions such as hydraulic weighing systems. |
Auckland |
$1,901,514 |
|
Agility CIS: Advanced customer management systems for major utilities supplying electricity, gas, water and telecom services to retail customers |
Auckland |
$300,000 |
|
Ancare Scientific: Animal health products, expertise in API sourcing, drug formulation, clinical testing, regulatory affairs and manufacturing |
Auckland |
$5,000,000 |
|
Argenta: Innovative products to improve the welfare of animals |
Auckland |
$4,682,000 |
|
Atlantis Healthcare Group: Design and implementation of patient support and adherence programmes |
Auckland |
$1,946,600 |
|
AuCom Electronics: Motor and machine performance; soft starters, motor control centres and medium voltage switchgear |
Christchurch |
$2,356,000 |
|
BBC Technologies: Specialist sorting and packing equipment for the small fruits and vegetables industry globally |
Ohaupo |
$741,704 |
|
Buckley Systems: Precision electromagnets, ion beam physics hardware and high-vacuum equipment used in silicon chips and touch screens |
Auckland |
$3,500,000 |
|
Core Technology: Software solutions for business and IT departments |
Wellington |
$629,400 |
|
Energy Mad: Energy-saving light bulbs that replace incandescent and halogen bulbs and fittings |
Christchurch |
$1,150,000 |
|
Mako Networks: Network management solutions for small businesses and branch offices |
Auckland |
$4,321,000 |
|
Nautech Electronics: Electronic equipment for aviation, marine, military, security and emergency services |
Auckland |
$532,253 |
|
NextWindow: Optical touch screen technology for major electronics manufacturers |
Auckland |
$5,931,667 |
|
Open Cloud: Real-time Telecom Application Server (TAS) for the management of person-to-person communications services |
Wellington |
$2,394,920 |
|
Rissington Breedline: Genetically superior sheep & cattle breeds and reliable supply chains for the farming and food industries |
Rissington (Hawke’s Bay) |
$661,165 |
|
RJ Hill Laboratories: Laboratory tests for domestic and international markets |
Hamilton |
$1,376,700 |
|
Technopak: Hygienic bulk dry powder packaging lines for the dairy and pharmaceutical industries |
Auckland |
$729,791 |
|
Wherescape: Data warehouse planning software and support |
Auckland |
$650,000 |
|
Xero: Online accounting software |
Wellington |
$4,040,000 |
The amounts listed in the table are GST exclusive and represent the maximum funding approved for the three year period. The final amount businesses will receive depends on their actual R&D expenditure over the next three years.