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Research and development support

WellingtonNZ can help your business if you’re thinking about developing new products or services. We can also help if you have an ongoing R&D programme and need some support.

At WellingtonNZ, it’s our job to get Wellington-based innovation businesses access to funding and services from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

It’s also our job to equip you with the expertise and advice you need to support your innovation, product development and ongoing research and development (R&D) programmes.

Innovation Services programmes administered by MBIE

Innovation Services administered by MBIE partners with ambitious businesses of all sizes. It provides innovation, research and development services for all stages of growth. Innovation Services empowers innovators and connects them with:

  • people
  • opportunities and networks
  • technical solutions
  • skills and capability development programmes
  • grants co-funding.

Key programmes from MBIE

New to R&D Grant

The New to R&D Grant supports entrepreneurs at the “getting started” stage of their innovation journey by building R&D support around the concept.

New to R&D Grant

R&D tax incentive

The R&D tax incentive offers a 15% tax credit on eligible R&D expenditures. Find out how to tap into it and if you are eligible.

R&D tax incentive

Ārohia Trailblazer Grant

This grant supports research including customer research, as well as support with professional advice, pitch and demonstration preparation.

Ārohia Trailblazer Grant

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Find out if you’re eligible for R&D funding

To get funding through Innovation Services your project needs to meet a certain level of criteria to be considered R&D. Here’s a guide to help you understand if R&D is the right next step for your business.

Does your project or initiative meet the definition of R&D?

The first step is to ensure your R&D project or initiative meets the definition of ‘research and development’.

  • Research is the process of working to gain new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding.
  • Development is the application of research findings (and other knowledge) to develop a new product or service.

If your project meets these definitions, then the next step is to determine how well your company and R&D project fits with the specific funding criteria.

Does your project meet Innovation Services funding criteria?

You will need to provide information and evidence relating to the five key areas below. MBIE will use this information to assess how well your company and R&D project fits the funding criteria.

Where to start

If you’re not sure where to begin, or you're a registered business, simply fill out the Innovation Services customer suport form

Looking for more?

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Meet the team

WellingtonNZ has a team of dedicated business advisors ready to help your business access support and services. Whether you’re a business looking for support in R&D or growth, our team can help.

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Wellington is more than just a capital city. It’s a region where business and pleasure go hand in hand. Whether you are in the creative, tech, or public sector, you will find a network of supportive and collaborative people to work with. And when you need a break, you will be spoilt for choice with the region’s options to step away from the office.

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How WellingtonNZ can help your business grow

At WellingtonNZ, our business growth and innovation team helps businesses find the advice and resources they need to grow and succeed.