Tech leaders back Newmarket as home for new institute

The government has unveiled plans to create the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT), a public research organisation (PRO) designed to transform world-class science into commercial success.

Backed by $231 million in initial investment over four years and supported by strategic advice from the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council, the Institute aims to accelerate Aotearoa New Zealand’s high-tech sector and boost high-value exports.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Hon Dr Shane Reti, said NZIAT will harness and scale up local research strengths to support the next generation of globally relevant, high-value technologies.

The Auckland Business Chamber and Auckland Tech Council have thrown their weight behind Auckland as the natural base for the Institute, and specifically the University’s Newmarket Innovation Precinct.

Simon Bridges, chief executive of the Auckland Business Chamber, says that Auckland is uniquely positioned to connect research, business, and investment, and that with world-leading AI and quantum researchers already based at the University, Auckland can serve as a critical link between academia, start-ups, and global partners.

Greg Murison, UniServices CEO and PVC Innovation and Enterprise, says “We are looking forward to working collaboratively with the institute, alongside other ecosystem partners, and to being a part of a vibrant, nationally connected deep tech ecosystem.

"Our role will continue to focus on enabling translational research and supporting the growth of innovation-led industries, many of which align with the University’s areas of strength and New Zealand’s strategic priorities.”

Darsel Keane, director of the University of Auckland Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), also serves as a member of the Auckland Tech Council.

“The Newmarket Innovation Precinct already has a strong foundation as a research and commercialisation hub," Keane says. "It’s home to dozens of start-ups and national initiatives like the New Zealand Product Accelerator, which connects research to industry. There’s so much potential here to create something exceptional, not just for Auckland, but for the whole of Aotearoa.”

The Chamber and Tech Council have long advocated for a central, connected location for the Institute, one that fosters collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs and industry. With its mix of existing infrastructure, entrepreneurial ecosystem, and global research links, Newmarket is seen as a compelling choice to anchor this next phase of innovation.