Published on the 18/08/2011 | Written by Newsdesk
The government has announced a $50 million round of technology grants this week, to aid the research and development projects of several Kiwi companies…
The $50 million in Technology Development Grants are the second round of grants since the scheme was announced as part of Budget 2010 that provided a $321 million boost in Research Science & Technology activities.
The grants are valued at 20 per cent of the R&D spend of each business, up to a maximum of $2.4m per year for three years.
The new round of grants to emphasises the importance the government attaches to Research, Science and Technology, says Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Wayne Mapp.
“The only way we can create the jobs, higher incomes and better living standards New Zealanders deserve is through building faster and sustainable economic growth,” said Dr Mapp. “Research Science and Technology will help achieve that that goal.
“To that end, it is vital that high-tech, exporting companies maintain their competitive edge in global markets.”
The grants range from between $300,000 and $5.9 million, the largest of which went to NextWindow, a company bought by Canada’s Smart Technologies in April last year. Other major recipients include Rod Drury’s listed software company Xero, which received $4 million.
All of the grants are over three years, and will give the companies more financial certainty over that period. They will be able to speed up the development of innovative products and services and get them to market faster.
The latest recipients of the grants are:
Actronic: Electronic measurement and control products and software-productivity solutions such as hydraulic weighing systems – $1,901,514
Agility CIS: Advanced customer management systems for major utilities supplying electricity, gas, water and telecom services to retail customers – $300,000
Ancare Scientific: Animal health products, expertise in API sourcing, drug formulation, clinical testing, regulatory affairs and manufacturing – $5,000,000
Argenta: Innovative products to improve the welfare of animals – $4,682,000
Atlantis Healthcare Group: Design and implementation of patient support and adherence programmes – $1,946,600
AuCom Electronics: Motor and machine performance; soft starters, motor control centres and medium voltage switchgear – $2,356,000
BBC Technologies: Specialist sorting and packing equipment for the small fruits and vegetables industry globally – $741,704
Buckley Systems: Precision electromagnets, ion beam physics hardware and high-vacuum equipment used in silicon chips and touch screens – $3,500,000
Core Technology: Software solutions for business and IT departments – $629,400
Energy Mad: Energy-saving light bulbs that replace incandescent and halogen bulbs and fittings – $1,150,000
Mako Networks: Network management solutions for small businesses and branch offices – $4,321,000
Nautech Electronics: Electronic equipment for aviation, marine, military, security and emergency services – $532,253
NextWindow: Optical touch screen technology for major electronics manufacturers – $5,931,667
Open Cloud: Real-time Telecom Application Server (TAS) for the management of person-to-person communications services – $2,394,920
Rissington Breedline: Genetically superior sheep & cattle breeds and reliable supply chains for the farming and food industries – $661,165
RJ Hill Laboratories: Laboratory tests for domestic and international markets – $1,376,700
Technopak: Hygienic bulk dry powder packaging lines for the dairy and pharmaceutical industries – $729,791
Wherescape: Data warehouse planning software and support – $650,000
Xero: Online accounting software – $4,040,000
The final amount businesses will receive depends on their actual R&D expenditure over the next three years.
