Callaghan Innovation: AI R&D Grants for New Zealand Businesses 2026
Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand's innovation agency, providing R&D grants and capability-building support for businesses adopting AI. This guide covers how NZ businesses can access funding for AI training, strategy, and implementation projects.
- New Zealand registered company
- Performing R&D activities in New Zealand
- Minimum NZD $300K annual R&D expenditure (Growth Grants)
- R&D meets Callaghan Innovation Act definition
- Demonstrated growth potential from AI R&D
- Register on the Callaghan Innovation portal
- Schedule free advisor consultation
- Prepare R&D plan with AI objectives
- Submit grant application
- Assessment period (4-8 weeks)
- Sign funding agreement
- Begin R&D activities
- Submit quarterly progress and expense reports
- Receive reimbursement within 30 days of approved claims
What Is Callaghan Innovation?
Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand's national innovation agency, supporting businesses to grow through research, development, and technology adoption. Their AI-related funding helps NZ businesses build internal capabilities and implement AI solutions.
Key Funding Programs for AI
R&D Growth Grants
- Co-funding rate: 40% of eligible R&D expenses
- Annual cap: Up to NZD $400,000 per year
- Duration: Ongoing annual funding while eligible
- Scope: Includes AI research, prototyping, and capability building
Getting Started Grants
- Amount: Up to NZD $5,000
- Purpose: Initial R&D project to explore AI opportunities
- Duration: 3-month project
- Best for: Businesses new to R&D and AI
Student Experience Grants
- Amount: Subsidized AI talent placement
- Purpose: Bring AI-skilled students into your business
- Duration: 3-12 month placements
Eligibility for R&D Growth Grants
- New Zealand registered company
- Performing R&D activities in New Zealand
- Minimum annual R&D expenditure of NZD $300,000
- R&D activities meet the definition in the Callaghan Innovation Act
- Can demonstrate how AI R&D will drive business growth
How AI Training Qualifies
AI capability building can qualify as R&D expenditure when it:
- Develops new AI-enabled products or services
- Creates novel AI processes for your business
- Involves systematic investigation or experimentation
- Is documented with clear objectives and methodology
How to Apply
- Register on the Callaghan Innovation portal
- Meet with an advisor — Free initial consultation to assess your AI R&D eligibility
- Prepare your R&D plan — Document your AI project with clear objectives
- Submit application — Include budget, timeline, and expected outcomes
- Assessment — Callaghan evaluates your R&D plan (4-8 weeks)
- Funding agreement — Sign contract and begin R&D activities
- Quarterly reporting — Submit progress reports and expense claims
Pertama Partners + Callaghan Innovation
Pertama Partners works with NZ businesses to structure AI training and advisory programs that qualify for Callaghan Innovation funding:
- AI strategy development as qualifying R&D
- Structured pilot programs with documented methodology
- Governance framework design with measurable outcomes
- Executive training linked to AI R&D capability building
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
AI training alone typically doesn't qualify. However, when training is part of a broader R&D program — such as building internal AI capabilities to develop new products or processes — it can be included as eligible R&D expenditure.
Getting Started Grants provide up to NZD $5,000 for a 3-month initial project — ideal for AI exploration. Growth Grants offer up to NZD $400,000/year on an ongoing basis for businesses with established R&D programs.
Yes. The R&D activities must be performed in New Zealand, but the advisory and training services can be delivered by international providers. Pertama Partners serves the broader Asia-Pacific region including New Zealand.
- •AI Strategy as R&D
- •AI Pilot Program (structured methodology)
- •AI Governance Framework
- •Executive AI Advisory
- •AI Readiness Assessment
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