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The New Zealand government has announced the establishment of a new institute to grow the country’s advanced technology sector and boost high-value exports.
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti confirmed that the new public research organisation, to be named the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology, will play a leading role in turning world-class science into commercial success.
The government has committed an initial $231 million over four years to invest in science and technology that supports industries with the potential to shape New Zealand’s future, develop skills and grow expertise in new and promising technologies and help boost New Zealand’s economy by innovating and commercialising new technologies into real-world businesses and products.
“The institute will focus on breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum computing and synthetic biology – fields with the potential to transform industries, grow exports and lift New Zealand’s global competitiveness,” Minister Reti said.
“It will be a cornerstone of our plan to grow a high-tech, high-value economy.”
The institute is intended to have a central base in Auckland as an existing centre of innovation and will invest in a broad network of smaller centres to conduct research in collaboration with universities, industry and existing research institutions.
The first major investment, announced in May, is based at Wellington’s Robinson Research Institute, specialising in future magnetic and materials technologies.
Additional investments will be confirmed following advice from the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council, which met for the first time earlier this week.
“New Zealand has made significant investments in areas of existing strength, like agri-tech, resulting in our global reputation for cutting-edge agricultural science,” Minister Reti said.
“This new institute, supported by strategic advice from the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council, will build on existing strengths and capabilities, and break into new technologies to grow our global reputation as a centre of innovation.
“This is about delivering long-term value for New Zealanders; transforming research into growth, jobs and global impact.”
