Transition Research Fund
Funds New Zealand investigator-led research through the Transition Research Fund, using coordinated mechanisms for talent, projects, and larger programmes.
The 2027 Transition Research Fund is MBIE's new umbrella for investigator-led research, created to keep support flowing while future Marsden and Endeavour rounds are folded into a single structure. It covers foundational and applied research across all disciplines and is meant to align funding more tightly with national priorities. The fund is organised around three mechanisms: Talent Development for emerging research leaders, Projects for bold ideas, and Programmes for more ambitious collaborative work. The first-year investment is up to NZ$84.4 million, with up to NZ$300 million over five years, and final decisions will be made by Research Funding New Zealand. Eligibility is limited to New Zealand-based research organisations, universities and non-profits rather than companies or individuals. Applicants succeed when their work is clearly aligned with government priorities for science, innovation and technology and when the proposal matches the mechanism's scale. Talent Development rewards early independence, Projects reward originality, and Programmes reward collaboration on complex problems.
No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Annual.