The Government has reinforced its commitment to science-led economic growth by funding 46 high-potential research projects, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti said today..
He was announcing the outcome of the 2025 round of the Endeavour Fund, which attracted 169 applications for Smart Ideas funding.
The new contracts start on 1 October 2025.
The successful proposals were selected by the Science Board, an independent statutory Board, following review by independent experts from New Zealand and overseas in MBIE’s College of Assessors.
The successful Smart Ideas for 2025 included –
- AgResearch Limited
Project title: Nanocellulose produced in microgravity by symbiotic microbial communities sustained by photosynthetic microalgae
For more information see:
AgResearch Limited Smart Ideas funded projects
- Barenbrug New Zealand Limited
Project title: Re-directing clover metabolic flux to reduce livestock emissions and improve productivity
For more information see:
Barenbrug New Zealand Limited Smart Ideas funded projects
- Lincoln Agritech Limited
Project title: Functional synthetic microbial communities for enhanced soil carbon-sequestration in native reforestation
For more information see:
Lincoln Agritech Limited Smart Ideas funded projects
- Massey University
Project title: New technologies enabling a sensitive multiplex rapid antigen test for bovine mastitis
Project title: Focused Ultrasound for Painless Calf Disbudding
For more information see:
Massey University Smart Ideas funded projects
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited
Project title: Bryophyte biochemistry: New frontiers in controlling plant growth
Project title: On-tree storage for NZs highly perishable fruit crops
Project title: Rapid unlocking of resistance proteins to activate and harness plant defence networks
Project title: On-demand plant stress mitigation: A climate-change adaptation proof of concept
For more information see:
The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited Smart Ideas funded projects
Dr Shane Reti said the contestable Endeavour Fund invests in research “that unlocks new knowledge, technologies, and capabilities”.
The Smart Ideas stream of the fund targets bold, high-risk projects by catalysing and rapidly testing promising, innovative research.
“Our research institutions and firms deepen our talent pipeline and grow the value of our technology exports. Supporting early-stage, high-impact research is part of our plan to foster innovation and drive growth,” Dr Reti says.
“The selected projects span a wide range of sectors, from MedTech and quantum computing to climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.
“This year’s recipients include innovations in cardiac diagnostics, climate forecasting and AI-powered pest control.
“These projects will deliver real-world impact. Each initiative is designed to tackle national challenges while unlocking new economic opportunities for New Zealand, building the foundations for a stronger, more resilient economy.
“These investments are about more than just research. They grow capability, attract global partnerships, and create industries of the future,” Dr Reti says.
Contracts typically last two to three years and the total value per contract is in the range of $400,000 to $1 million. The Endeavour Fund is managed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and is New Zealand’s largest contestable fund.
Further information about the projects can be found on the MBIE website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/currently-funded-smart-ideas
Sources: MBIE and the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.
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