Requests for Proposals: Science and Technology Grants (New Zealand)

Deadline: 07-Sep-2026

The Earle Creativity and Development Trust Science and Technology Grant Program provides funding to support innovation, research, and practical technology development in the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region. The program helps individuals, groups, and small businesses transform creative ideas into practical outcomes such as designs, software, prototypes, and functional products.

The Trust provides up to $50,000 in funding for science and technology projects that encourage creativity, strengthen technical skills, support innovation, and contribute to regional development.

Overview of the Earle Creativity and Development Trust Grant Program

The Science and Technology Grant Program is designed to encourage the development of new ideas into practical solutions.

The program supports projects that:

• Promote innovation in science and technology.
• Turn concepts into working products or prototypes.
• Develop technical skills and capabilities.
• Encourage practical experimentation and problem-solving.
• Support regional economic and community development.
• Create opportunities for new technologies and processes.

The program focuses on applied science and technology projects with real-world outcomes.

Program Focus Areas

The Trust supports a broad range of science and technology fields, particularly projects that demonstrate practical application.

Eligible focus areas include:

• Engineering.
• Metalworking.
• Electronics.
• Information technology.
• Software development.
• Ceramics.
• Woodworking.
• Processing of biological materials.
• Food-related processing.
• Manufacturing.
• Product design and development.

Projects should demonstrate how technical knowledge can be transformed into useful outcomes.

Funding Available

The Earle Creativity and Development Trust provides:

• Total Science and Technology funding pool: $50,000.
• Minimum typical grant amount: $5,000.

Funding amounts may depend on:

• Project requirements.
• Innovation potential.
• Expected regional benefit.
• Available funding.
• Project feasibility.

Applicants should provide a clear explanation of how funding will support project development.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is available to individuals and organisations connected to the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region.

Eligible applicants include:

• Individuals living in the Manawatū or Rangitīkei region.
• Individuals with a strong connection to the region.
• Community groups.
• Innovation-focused groups.
• Small and medium-sized businesses.
• Tertiary students.
• Applicants developing practical science and technology solutions.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A clear project idea.
• Technical development potential.
• Practical outcomes.
• Regional relevance.

Student Eligibility Requirements

Students may apply under specific conditions.

Eligible applicants include:

• Tertiary students applying independently.
• Secondary school students applying through a school-led group project.

Secondary school students cannot submit individual applications.

Types of Projects Supported

The program supports projects that move ideas from early concepts toward practical implementation.

Eligible projects may include:

Prototype Development

Funding may support:

• Building functional prototypes.
• Testing new designs.
• Developing proof-of-concept models.
• Improving existing inventions.

Technology and Software Development

Projects may include:

• Software creation.
• Digital tools.
• Information technology solutions.
• Technology-based innovations.

Engineering and Manufacturing Projects

Support may be available for:

• Engineering design.
• Manufacturing improvements.
• Product development.
• Technical experimentation.

Research and Design Development

Funding may assist with:

• Research activities.
• Design improvements.
• Technical testing.
• Development planning.

Skills and Capability Development

Projects may include:

• Technical training.
• Skill development.
• Learning new production methods.
• Building specialist capability.

Innovation and Product Development

The Trust encourages projects that transform ideas into:

• Market-ready products.
• Functional equipment.
• Practical solutions.
• New processes.
• Demonstration models.

Why This Program Matters

Innovation plays an important role in strengthening regional capability and creating future opportunities.

The Earle Creativity and Development Trust supports:

• Local inventors and innovators.
• Technology development.
• Practical problem-solving.
• Entrepreneurship.
• Regional economic growth.
• New employment opportunities.

By supporting early-stage innovation, the program helps individuals and businesses develop ideas that may create long-term benefits for the Manawatū and Rangitīkei community.

Eligible Uses of Funding

Funding may support activities directly related to developing science and technology projects.

Eligible expenses may include:

• Prototype materials.
• Research costs.
• Design work.
• Software development.
• Technical equipment.
• Testing activities.
• Skill development.
• Product development expenses.
• Innovation-related project costs.

Applicants should explain how each expense contributes to achieving project outcomes.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow a structured process when preparing their application.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should confirm that:

• They live in or have a strong connection to Manawatū or Rangitīkei.
• Their project relates to science or technology.
• The project focuses on practical application.
• They meet applicant requirements.

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

A strong proposal should explain:

• The idea being developed.
• The technology or scientific concept involved.
• The practical outcome expected.
• The need for funding.
• The benefits to the region.
• The project timeline.

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Applicants should provide:

• Total project costs.
• Amount requested.
• Breakdown of expenses.
• Other funding sources.
• Explanation of how grant funds will be used.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants should provide all required information and supporting documents.

Applications should demonstrate:

• Innovation potential.
• Technical feasibility.
• Clear project outcomes.
• Regional benefit.

Step 5: Deliver the Project

Successful applicants are expected to use funding according to the approved proposal and complete project activities as planned.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Clearly explaining the innovation behind the idea.
• Showing how the project solves a practical problem.
• Demonstrating technical capability.
• Providing realistic development timelines.
• Explaining regional benefits.
• Including a detailed and accurate budget.
• Highlighting future opportunities such as employment or economic growth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting ideas without a clear practical outcome.
• Providing vague project descriptions.
• Failing to explain technical development needs.
• Not showing regional benefit.
• Submitting incomplete budgets.
• Applying for projects unrelated to science or technology.
• Not explaining how funding will be used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Earle Creativity and Development Trust Science and Technology Grant Program?

The program provides funding for science and technology innovation projects that develop ideas into practical outcomes such as prototypes, software, designs, and functional products.

How much funding is available?

The Trust provides $50,000 for Science and Technology projects. Individual grants are usually at least $5,000.

Who can apply for the grant?

Eligible applicants include individuals, groups, small and medium-sized businesses, and students with a connection to the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region.

Can students apply?

Yes. Tertiary students can apply directly. Secondary school students must apply through a school-led group project.

What types of projects are supported?

The program supports engineering, electronics, information technology, software, manufacturing, materials processing, product design, prototypes, and other applied science and technology projects.

Can businesses apply?

Yes. Small and medium-sized businesses developing innovative products, technologies, or processes may be eligible.

Can applicants submit multiple applications?

Yes. Individuals and groups may submit more than one application. Each application is assessed independently.

Conclusion

The Earle Creativity and Development Trust Science and Technology Grant Program provides valuable support for innovators, students, researchers, and businesses developing practical technology solutions in the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region. By funding prototypes, research, design, and technical development, the program helps transform creative ideas into useful outcomes.

Applicants with innovative science and technology concepts are encouraged to develop strong proposals that demonstrate practical application, regional benefit, and the potential to contribute to future growth and capability.

For more information, visit Earle Creativity & Development Trust.