Eight innovative research projects each attract $1m Smart Ideas funding

Eight University of Auckland research projects have received around a million dollars each in research funding, through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Endeavour Fund, and its Smart Ideas programme.

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced the funding on 25 June for the projects. The Smart Ideas 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,” 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,” 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 New Zealand’s largest contestable fund. In all, around 46 projects received funding around the country.

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