The R&D Career Grant, now run by Innovation Services (MBIE) after Callaghan Innovation's disestablishment, reopened for its 2026/27 round on 31 August 2026. It funds a NZ business to employ a recent masters graduate (up to NZ$30,000 plus GST) or PhD graduate (up to NZ$35,000 plus GST) full-time for 6 months, and closes once all funding is allocated.
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NZ R&D Career Grant reopens: up to NZ$35,000 to hire a masters or PhD grad
Why this matters for founders
An NZ founder running an active R&D programme can apply now to subsidise a specialist STEM, design, or business graduate hire for half a year. Apply early because the round closes as soon as the funding pool is exhausted.
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