CFPs: Ara Whaihua – He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 15-Jul-2026

The Ara Whaihua – He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund 2027 provides up to NZD 100,000 (excluding GST) for 12-month projects that strengthen science translation, enhance commercialisation capability, and create long-term economic benefits from research in New Zealand. The fund supports Māori-facing Organisations and Māori Research Organisations delivering implementation-ready projects aligned with the Vision Mātauranga policy themes of Environment, Indigenous Innovation, and Mātauranga.

About the Ara Whaihua – He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund 2027

The Ara Whaihua – He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund 2027 is a funding programme that supports science translation activities designed to convert research into practical economic, commercial, and innovation outcomes.

The programme invests in projects that are ready for implementation rather than early-stage or exploratory research. It aims to strengthen New Zealand’s science, innovation, and technology (SI&T) ecosystem by improving science translation capability, encouraging commercialisation, and building stronger relationships between Māori organisations, research organisations, industry, and the public sector.

Projects funded under this scheme should contribute to the broader outcomes outlined in the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund Investment Plan.

Funding Information

The funding programme offers the following support:

• Total Funding Available: Up to NZD 2.1 million
• Maximum Grant per Project: NZD 100,000 (excluding GST)
• Funding Duration: 12 months
• Co-funding Requirement: Not required
• Capital Expenditure: Not eligible

Funding may be used for:

• Work programme development
• Project delivery
• Operating costs
• Project-related travel

Applicants should ensure that all proposed costs directly support the approved work programme.

Programme Objectives

The fund aims to:

• Support science translation that leads to commercialisation.
• Increase long-term economic benefits from research.
• Build science, innovation, and technology capability.
• Strengthen organisational capacity for science translation.
• Develop stronger networks between Māori organisations and the SI&T sector.
• Encourage collaboration with the public sector.
• Identify pathways to market for research outcomes.
• Deliver long-term science, innovation, and economic impacts.

What is Science Translation?

Science translation is the process of transforming scientific knowledge and research into practical applications that create economic, commercial, environmental, or societal value.

Examples of science translation include:

• Developing commercialisation strategies
• Validating market opportunities
• Translating research into industry applications
• Building partnerships with businesses and government
• Strengthening innovation capability
• Identifying routes to market for research outcomes

Unlike basic research, science translation focuses on preparing research for real-world adoption and impact.

Priority Focus Areas

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following priorities:

• Science translation
• Commercialisation readiness
• Economic growth
• Science, innovation and technology capability
• Organisational capability development
• Māori participation in the SI&T ecosystem
• Public sector collaboration
• Market pathway development
• Long-term innovation outcomes

Vision Mātauranga Policy Themes

Eligible proposals must align with one or more of the following Vision Mātauranga policy themes:

• Environment
• Indigenous Innovation
• Mātauranga

At least 50% of the eligible ANZSRC Field of Research codes included in the proposal must support one or more of these approved themes.

Proposals primarily focused on the Hauora (Health) theme or other Māori-related research areas funded through different agencies are not eligible unless the majority of outcomes align with the supported themes.

Who is Eligible?

Applications may be submitted by New Zealand-based single legal entities that are:

• Māori-facing Organisations
• Māori Research Organisations

Applicants must also:

• Meet all administrative requirements.
• Comply with the programme’s eligibility criteria.
• Submit applications through the MBIE Pītau Investment Management System.

Who is Not Eligible?

The following are not eligible:

• Government departments listed under Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act 2020.
• Organisations in material breach of any MBIE science funding contract.
• Applicants with outstanding remedial actions relating to terminated MBIE contracts.
• Organisations that do not meet programme eligibility requirements.

Eligible Activities

Funding supports implementation-ready science translation activities, including:

• Commercialisation planning
• Science translation projects
• Market pathway development
• Capability building
• Innovation system development
• Organisational capability enhancement
• Partnership development
• Operational project delivery
• Project-related travel

Projects should clearly demonstrate how science translation will contribute to future commercial and economic outcomes.

Ineligible Activities

Funding cannot be used for:

• Exploratory research
• Product development alone
• Capital expenditure
• Activities already receiving government funding
• Activities eligible for Ministry of Education funding
• Full-time tertiary student participation
• School student participation

Projects must clearly focus on science translation rather than research or education alone.

International Collaboration

Most project activities should be undertaken within New Zealand.

International collaboration may be included where applicants can demonstrate:

• Clear benefits for New Zealand.
• Strong justification for overseas activities.
• Valuable collaboration with Indigenous knowledge practitioners in other countries.
• A contribution to New Zealand’s long-term science and innovation capability.

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare a complete application that includes:

• Project description
• Work programme
• Budget
• Timeline
• Expected commercial and economic outcomes
• Vision Mātauranga alignment
• Organisational eligibility information

Applications must be submitted through the MBIE Pītau Investment Management System and comply with all administrative requirements.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify that your organisation is a New Zealand-based Māori-facing Organisation or Māori Research Organisation and satisfies all programme requirements.

Step 2: Develop an Implementation-Ready Project

Design a work programme that:

• Focuses on science translation.
• Supports commercialisation.
• Builds organisational capability.
• Strengthens partnerships.
• Delivers measurable long-term impact.

The project should be ready for implementation upon approval.

Step 3: Demonstrate Vision Mātauranga Alignment

Clearly explain how the proposal supports one or more of the following themes:

• Environment
• Indigenous Innovation
• Mātauranga

Ensure that at least 50% of the eligible ANZSRC Field of Research codes align with these themes.

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather all required information, including:

• Project work programme
• Budget
• Timeline
• Organisational eligibility evidence
• Expected commercial outcomes
• Science translation strategy

Step 5: Submit the Proposal

Complete the application through the MBIE Pītau Investment Management System before the submission deadline.

Why This Fund Matters

Science translation plays a vital role in transforming research into practical innovation that benefits businesses, communities, and the wider economy.

The programme supports:

• Increased commercialisation of research
• Stronger Māori participation in science and innovation
• Better collaboration across the SI&T sector
• Long-term organisational capability
• Sustainable economic development
• Greater innovation capacity
• Stronger pathways from research to market

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposal by:

• Demonstrating a clear pathway to commercialisation.
• Showing measurable economic impact.
• Explaining how science translation activities create long-term value.
• Demonstrating organisational capability.
• Clearly aligning with Vision Mātauranga policy themes.
• Preparing a realistic implementation plan.
• Providing a detailed and accurate budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Submitting exploratory research instead of implementation-ready projects.
• Focusing primarily on product development.
• Including capital expenditure in the budget.
• Failing to explain commercialisation pathways.
• Not demonstrating alignment with eligible Vision Mātauranga themes.
• Including activities already supported through government funding.
• Proposing overseas work without strong justification.
• Failing to meet MBIE administrative requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Ara Whaihua – He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund 2027?

It is a New Zealand funding programme that supports science translation projects designed to strengthen capability, promote commercialisation, and create long-term economic benefits from research.

2. How much funding is available?

The programme provides up to NZD 2.1 million in total funding, with each successful project eligible to receive up to NZD 100,000 (excluding GST) for a 12-month project.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are New Zealand-based Māori-facing Organisations and Māori Research Organisations that meet all programme eligibility and administrative requirements.

4. Is co-funding required?

No. Applicants are not required to provide matching or co-funding.

5. What types of projects are eligible?

Projects must focus on implementation-ready science translation, commercialisation, capability building, innovation, and market pathway development rather than exploratory research or standalone product development.

6. Can international collaboration be included?

Yes. International collaboration is permitted where applicants can clearly demonstrate that it provides significant benefits to New Zealand, particularly when collaborating with Indigenous knowledge practitioners in other countries.

7. Which Vision Mātauranga themes are supported?

Eligible projects must align with one or more of the following themes:

• Environment
• Indigenous Innovation
• Mātauranga

Additionally, at least 50% of the eligible ANZSRC Field of Research codes included in the proposal must support one or more of these themes.

Conclusion

The Ara Whaihua – He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund 2027 offers an important opportunity for Māori-facing Organisations and Māori Research Organisations to strengthen science translation capability and accelerate the commercialisation of research in New Zealand. With up to NZD 100,000 available for 12-month implementation-ready projects, the programme supports innovation, capability building, stronger partnerships, and sustainable economic growth. Organisations that demonstrate clear commercialisation pathways, strong alignment with Vision Mātauranga policy themes, and a well-developed implementation plan will be well positioned to secure funding.

For more information, visit MBIE.