Govt announces new funding for the digital technologies sector

Through Budget 2202 the Government will provide an additional $20 million over 4 years towards 2 key initiatives in the Digital Technologies Industry Transformation Plan (ITP). This includes supporting the growth of the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) community and taking New Zealand’s Tech and Innovation Story — a marketing initiative led by industry in partnership with government, to the world.

The Government has been working with industry to co-design the Digital Technologies ITP to help tech companies fulfil their huge potential as generators of high-value jobs and export revenue.

This new funding will enable the SaaS Community to build its momentum further and expand its network, and also support the delivery of short courses for digital skills development. It will also enable the ‘New Zealand Tech and Innovation Story’ to build on the work already underway to promote the tech sector both locally and internationally. This will include content specifically targeted to inspire more New Zealanders to enter the industry, including from groups currently under-represented such as Māori, Pacific Peoples, and women.

The ITP is a long-term vehicle for growing all digital technologies sectors. The Government remains committed to the other industry initiatives that were well supported in the draft ITP consultation earlier this year. A final ITP for the sector is expected to be released in the coming months.

Read the Minister’s press release below.

Budget 2022 invests in tech sector growth(external link) — beehive.govt.nz