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Business R&D Student Grants

R&D Career Grant

Funds New Zealand for-profit companies hiring recent Masters or PhD graduates into 6-month R&D roles.

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About

The R&D Career Grant is a non-dilutive salary grant administered by Callaghan Innovation (a New Zealand Crown entity) under the Business R&D Grants scheme, now managed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) after Callaghan Innovation's disestablishment process. It bridges the first 6 months of employment for a recent Masters or PhD graduate moving into a commercial R&D role …

What this grant funds

Any R&D discipline — the company must have an active R&D programme. No sector restriction.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.6 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
Funding analytics

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Industries

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Eligibility criteria

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Application process

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What you have to submit

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Timeline

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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz