How Businesses Can Capitalise on the Marsden and Catalyst Fund Updates

In the dynamic world of research and innovation, staying informed about funding opportunities is essential for businesses aiming to drive growth through science and technology. Recent updates to New Zealand's science funding landscape have opened new avenues for businesses to engage with cutting-edge research and development. Let's explore these key changes and how your business can make the most of these opportunities.

The Marsden Fund: A New Focus on Economic Impact

The Marsden Fund, a cornerstone of New Zealand's research funding, has undergone significant changes. Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins announced a shift in focus towards research with clear economic benefits, "We are focused on a system that supports growth, and a science sector that drives high-tech, high-productivity, high-value businesses and jobs....The focus of the Fund will shift to core science, with the humanities and social sciences panels disbanded and no longer supported."

BusinessNZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says, "New Zealand continues to languish in the productivity space. It’s a problem that can be partly solved through innovation. Directing the Marsden Fund to focus more narrowly on research that will help to support high-tech, high-productivity, high-value businesses and jobs is the right move."

What this means for businesses:

1. Increased opportunities for collaboration with researchers in fields such as physics, chemistry, maths, engineering, and biomedical sciences. The Marsden Fund’s new focus on economically impactful research encourages projects that align with industry needs, creating natural opportunities for businesses to partner with universities, Crown Research Institutes, and private research organisations. These collaborations allow businesses to access cutting-edge expertise, technologies, and resources, enabling them to co-develop innovative solutions, adapt breakthroughs into commercial applications, and stay at the forefront of industry trends.
2. Greater alignment between academic research and industry needs, with the new Terms of Reference stating that approximately 50% of the funds will be allocated to supporting proposals that provide economic benefits to New Zealand.
3. The Marsden Fund will continue to support blue-skies research, projects that advance new ideas and foster innovation and creativity, even when the benefits may not be immediately apparent. This type of research is vital for developing new technologies and products, boosting economic growth, and enhancing New Zealand's quality of life.

Marsden Fund Categories:

• Fast-Start Grants: Designed for emerging researchers (within seven years of PhD completion) with funding capped at $120,000/year for three years.
• Standard Grants: Flexible funding for three years tailored to project needs.
• Marsden Fund Council Awards: Aimed at interdisciplinary research with funding up to $1 million/year.

How to apply: The Marsden Fund typically calls for applications annually in November/December through The Marsden application portal, with submissions closing in February. However, due to changes to the fund, the 2025 funding round will be delayed. Updates on the new dates will be posted here. Businesses looking to collaborate with researchers should align their project timelines accordingly.

The Catalyst Fund: Fostering International Collaboration

Alongside changes to the Marsden Fund, the Catalyst Fund has also been updated to enhance its impact on New Zealand's economy. This fund supports activities that initiate, develop and foster collaborations which take advantage of international science and innovation for New Zealand’s benefit, crucial for businesses looking to tap into global expertise and markets. International science and innovation connectivity is a key contributor to achieving the Government's vision for New Zealand's science, innovation and technology system.

Key focus areas for the Catalyst Fund now include:

• Quantum technology
• Health and biomedicine
• Biotechnologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Antarctic research
• Space and Earth observation

For businesses, this presents opportunities to:

1. Engage in international research partnerships.
2. Access cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
3. Expand into new markets through scientific collaboration.

Catalyst Fund Categories:

• Catalyst Seeding: Supports small-to-medium partnerships that may evolve into full collaborations.
• Catalyst Strategic: Funds large-scale collaborations in priority areas.
• Catalyst Leaders: Targets fellowships for exceptional individuals.
• Catalyst Influence: Supports participation in key international science engagements.

How to apply: The Catalyst Fund’s flexibility enables businesses to respond quickly to emerging international opportunities, making it an ideal resource for staying ahead of global trends. Applications can be submitted via the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s secure Innovation Management System Portal or expressions of interest can be sent directly to The Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi. While there is flexibility, businesses should also be mindful of key submission deadlines and application cycles to ensure timely consideration for funding.

Navigating the Funding Landscape

Understanding and accessing these funds can feel overwhelming, but resources are available to help businesses navigate this landscape.

Funds and Opportunities Search Tool

• The Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi provides a comprehensive search tool for various science funding and opportunities. This is a full directory that covers various research funds, learning and development opportunities, travel grants for events and conferences, funda for international strategic and collaborative partnerships, research collaborations, and more that businesses can tap into.

Insights from the BusinessNZ Network

• The BusinessNZ Network has recently released a report on support for business R&D in New Zealand, offering valuable insights into why investment in research and development is crucial for economic growth. This report can serve as a guide for businesses looking to understand the broader context of R&D support in New Zealand.

Vision Mātauranga Policy

• Vision Mātauranga Policy is embedded across all priority investment areas, including the Marsden and Catalyst Funds, to unlock the potential of Māori knowledge, resources, and people. Businesses can tap into these opportunities by aligning their projects with this policy, fostering partnerships with Māori entities, and integrating indigenous knowledge to drive innovation.
  
  

As New Zealand aims to boost its research and development expenditure to match OECD averages, businesses have a unique opportunity to play a key role in driving innovation and economic growth. By engaging with these updated funding mechanisms, your business can contribute to and benefit from New Zealand's evolving research landscape.

Navigating the complex world of research funding requires a strategic approach. Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, there are numerous opportunities to leverage these funding avenues to accelerate your business. At Business Canterbury, our expert advisors can help you find tailored solutions, connect you with the right resources, and guide you through the available funding opportunities, empowering you to make the most of these avenues for business growth. Get in touch today.