Australia New Zealand Collaborative Space Research Programme in Earth Observation Call for Proposals

These projects aim to help unlock information about the environment and climate through the observation of the Earth from high-altitude and space.

Applications are submitted through SmartSat CRC. All funding and application information including the proposal template are on the SmartSat Call for Proposals webpages.

Australia New Zealand Earth Observation Open Call (external link)- SmartSat website

This information gives an overview of the opportunity and outlines MBIE’s requirements for New Zealand based applicant partners. 

About this opportunity

In January 2024, the New Zealand Space Agency signed partnership agreement with Australia’s leading space research organisation, the SmartSat CRC. This agreement to collaborate on space science and technology research projects will advance space science, leading to real world benefits for both New Zealanders and Australians.

SmartSat CRC(external link)

New Zealand is seeking to build a strategic relationship with Australia by partnering in Earth observation (EO) projects. We are inviting proposals for collaborative feasibility studies delivered jointly by New Zealand research organisations and SmartSat CRC in the field of Earth observation.

Areas of mutual interest are:

1. Crops - Agriculture monitoring for enhanced farming practices.
2. Indigenous - Supporting Indigenous communities and economies through EO technology.
3. Pasture Biomass - Advancing pastural condition and biomass mapping.

Further information on each if these thematic areas is available on the Smartsat CRC website. Proposals for research activities outside of these areas will not be accepted.

We are seeking to fund the highest quality proposals. This may mean some topics will receive more funding than others or no funding at all.  

Funding available

MBIE has up to NZD$0.4 million (excluding GST) available for investment through the Catalyst Fund in collaborative feasibility studies between New Zealand researchers and SmartSat CRC. Funding details include:

• Up to 4 research feasibility studies in the field of Earth observation will be funded.
• The maximum funding that can be applied for is NZD$100,000 (excluding GST) per proposal.  
• The research feasibility study may be a maximum of 6 months in duration.
• Research funding from New Zealand can only be used to fund New Zealand researchers’ activities.

Proposals will be considered jointly by MBIE and SmartSat CRC against the assessment criteria used for this call for proposals.

Research projects (Phase B funding)

We expect up to NZ$2 million (excluding GST) over 3 years will be available to fund the progression of feasibility studies (Phase A) into longer-term collaborative research projects (Phase B). Applicants who have successfully delivered a Phase A feasibility study as part of this call for proposals will be eligible for consideration for Phase B funding.  

Please note the completion of Phase A feasibility studies does not guarantee Phase B funding. 

Feasibility study

Funding is available to support New Zealand’s participation in Earth observation feasibility studies with SmartSat CRC. Feasibility studies may cover (but are not limited to):

• Problem identification – Clearly identified area which research advancement could add value. Define the value proposition of the research.
• State of the art advancement – Clearly articulate the current state of the art for the chosen area of research, encompassing technology trends and addressing those of the end application/user. Identify how this work advances the state of the art and differ from current solutions.  
• Pathway to utilisation – Meets well-articulated end user needs and outputs of projects can be demonstrated to end user. How will this research be used for long term growth potential, end user benefits and/or public good pathways.
• Expected/preliminary methodology – Methodology used to perform the research.  
• Resources required to perform the work and allocation – Clearly define milestones and deliverables to measure progress and success of collaborative project. Make a budget claim consistent with the objectives and scope of the project that represents value for money, leveraged with additional investment (cash and/or in-kind) by the project partners.
• Barriers to success – Are there any factors that you envisage at an early stage that you may have to mitigate in order to be successful?
• Potential interfaces with other Australia/New Zealand collaborations – Are there any other collaborations that will likely interface with or use your technology going forward?
• Expected output – To what level do you intend to develop this technology or research (such as proof of concept, trial with a user etc.)
• Aotearoa New Zealand’s Vision Mātauranga-Australia’s Caring for Country – How could the project incorporate relevant activities that either unlock or are likely to unlock the science and innovation potential of Indigenous knowledge resources and people.
• Future partners – Identify future partners that you will engage to deliver the benefit from the technology advancements.
• Future funding opportunities – Based on the work done on the project to date, provide a view of the commercial impact you expect to realise from project outcomes. What long term commercial and/or collaborative opportunities has the work opened up? If known, provide an indication of potential funding or co-funding sources you may consider for follow on work.

Work programme development

As part of the Phase A feasibility study, research teams must also jointly complete a Project Plan and Budget detailing how the project could be progressed into a longer-term collaborative research programme (Phase B).

Project teams will be asked to provide clarity of future Phase B co-funding sources, including letters of support from research providers, industry and/or end users, or future funding schemes they expect to target.

How funding can be used

What is fundable

Research funding from New Zealand can only be used to fund New Zealand researchers’ activities and reasonable expenses directly related to the study, including:

Research activity expenses for:

• consumables and other research expenses
• personnel
• subcontractors

Research exchange expenses for:

• flights/transport
• accommodation
• travel visas and travel insurance
• meals

Travel costs should not exceed 25% of the budget. All expenditure by individuals should adhere to the rules of the organisation they are affiliated with.

What is not fundable

The research funding must not be used for:

• any of the Smartsat CRC researcher activities and expenses
• salaries of individuals employed by New Zealand local or central government
• any expenses not directly related to the feasibility study, including:
  • capital expenditure (unless otherwise agreed with MBIE)
  • dealing with accidents or disasters during the term of the contract
  • alcohol
  • expenses outside any categories listed in the study budget (without prior permission from MBIE)
  • expenses unrelated to the delivery of the contract.

Co-funding

• Contributions for Australian researcher teams will be funded through a separate contract by SmartSat CRC.
• In-kind support by SmartSat CRC through the allocation of research effort and/or access to facilities is acceptable.
• Co-funding or in-kind funding from New Zealand partners is not mandatory but can be included.

Who can apply

For a proposal to be assessed it must meet the eligibility criteria set out below. Proposals that do not meet all of these criteria will be declined for funding on eligibility grounds.

• Applications must be jointly prepared by at least one Australian based research organisation and one New Zealand-based research organisation or a New Zealand-based legal entity representing a New Zealand-based research organisation.
• The proposal must not be made by a department of the public service as listed in Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act 2020.
• Proposals must address one of the three thematic areas outlined in this document.
• Proposals must not benefit a Russian state institution (including but not limited to support for Russian military or security activity) or an organisation outside government that may be perceived as contributing to the war effort.
• Proposals must be submitted before the closing date and meet all the administrative requirements set out on the SmartSat CRC website.

This funding opportunity is open to both public and private research organisations. A research organisation is an organisation that has internal capability for carrying out research, science or technology, or related activities.

Applicants may submit multiple proposals, but each proposal must be for a significantly different research study. If a New Zealand research team submits multiple proposals based on the same study, all proposals for that study may be deemed ineligible.

Application information

Applicants are required to complete their proposals using the proposal template provide on the SmartSat CRC website.

1. Before developing your proposal, you are encouraged to consider the eligibility criteria, the assessment criteria, and the terms and conditions relating to this opportunity.
2. Applicants submit their joint proposal to SmartSat CRC in Word or PDF format on the proposal template provided on the SmartSat CRC website via email to research.projects@smartsatcrc.com.
3. The template must be jointly completed by the proposed New Zealand and Australian project teams.
4. Research teams must include a budget to confirm how they intend to spend Catalyst funding.

The information in your proposal is used for assessment and will form the basis of the contract for the project if your application is successful.

Key documents

When developing your proposal, we encourage you to consult the following New Zealand key reference documents:

• New Zealand National Statement of Science Investment 2015-2025
• Catalyst Fund
• National Space Policy

Key dates

All dates and times are New Zealand standard times (unless otherwise stated) and are subject to change. To be notified of any changes subscribe to our Alert e-newsletter.

Subscribe(external link)

Assessment information

Assessors will be selected by both MBIE and SmartSat CRC. Submitted proposals will undergo the following assessment process:

1. SmartSat CRC and MBIE will undertake an initial review of each proposal to determine compliance against the stated eligibility criteria. Any non-compliant responses will be available to the assessment panel to look at but will not be formally reviewed for funding.
2. Compliant submissions will be individually reviewed by the pool of assessors against the assessment criteria.
3. Assessors will then convene at a virtual panel meeting to discuss the proposals and reach consensus on which applications are recommended for funding. The virtual panel meeting will be co-chaired by a non-voting SmartSat CRC and MBIE employee.
4. Applications for different thematic areas may be separated and assessed by separate assessment panels.
5. Scores and comments will be collated and will form a recommendation to SmartSat CRC and MBIE as to which proposals merit funding.

Conflicts of interest

When Assessors receive proposals to review, they will be required to declare any potential conflicts of interest to SmartSat CRC and MBIE. SmartSat CRC and MBIE will review potential conflicts and mitigation strategies may include excluding the identified assessor from reviewing a submission. Collated scores for that application will be normalised.

Conflicts of interest may occur on two different levels:

1. A direct conflict of interest, where an Assessor is:
   • directly involved with a proposal (as a participant, manager, mentor, or partner) or has a close personal relationship with the applicant, for example, family members
   • a collaborator or in some other way involved with an applicant’s proposal.
2. An indirect conflict of interest, where an Assessor:
   • is employed by an organisation involved in a proposal but is not part of the applicant’s proposal
   • has a personal and/or professional relationship with one of the applicants, for example, an acquaintance
   • is assessing a proposal under discussion that may compete with their business interests.

Assessment criteria 

Assessors will assess proposals on each of the criteria (below) and them score them from 1 (low quality) to 7 (high quality).

Excellence: 40% weighting

Will the activity lead to the creation of new knowledge through high quality research?

The Assessors will consider to what extent the proposal:

• Leads to creation of new knowledge which is of the highest calibre and would have national and international scientific impact and recognition.
• Utilises sound research practices and principles, including a well-designed research plan and a credible approach to risk management.
• Is ambitious in terms of scientific risk, technical risk, novelty and/or innovative approaches.
• Is led by world-class science leaders or potential future leaders with the skills and knowledge to deliver the proposed activities.
• Explains the science and innovation opportunities and, where applicable contributions of Indigenous knowledge, people, and resources for the benefit of New Zealand and Australia.
• Provides the mix of complementary skills, knowledge, and resources to deliver the proposed research, science or technology or related activities and to manage risk.

Connections: 30% weighting

Will the project establish an enduring collaboration between New Zealand and Australian researchers?

The Assessors will consider to what extent:

• The New Zealand and Australian research teams have excellent track records of collaborating with other institutions and delivering research results.
• The proposed partners bring a mix of complementary resources, capabilities, and world class expertise to the proposed project, building a connected and high performing research team.
• The research team and its partners have outstanding capabilities and capacity to build and manage a substantive international partnership, to fully realise the international opportunities outlined in the proposal, and to deliver the proposed activities.
• The project partners are building and sustaining connections with leading international research centres, science leaders, and entrepreneurial talent to strengthen science capability and performance.
• The proposed project will give effect to the Vision Mātauranga policy and Australia’s 'Caring for Country’ principle, creating connections with and for Indigenous people in a genuine and meaningful way.

Impact: 30% weighting

Will the project deliver benefit aligned to wider economic, social and environmental goals of New Zealand and Australia?

The Assessors will consider to what extent:

• The proposal has a strong line of sight to expected benefits that are of national and global significance, where the analysis supporting the estimates of benefits and uncertainty is excellent.
• Incorporates Vision Mātauranga and Caring for Country elements, that provide meaningful benefits to Indigenous communities.
• Identifies research areas that will enable the wider New Zealand and Australia research communities to contribute to solving national or global problems.
• Has the potential to deliver long-term capabilities through knowledge transfer and develop new ideas, applications, and end users.

Other assessment criteria

When assessing proposals against the assessment criteria, the assessors will also take the following factors into account, including the extent to which the overall mix of investments:

• are likely to achieve the objectives of this opportunity
• the balance of investments across the investment priority areas of this call
• doesn’t overlap with similar projects already being funded
• will minimise the risk that applicants do not have the capacity to complete the research project because of existing commitments to other research projects.

Funding decisions

The General Manager, Science System, Investment and Performance at MBIE will make the final funding decisions on which New Zealand research organisations will receive funding.

Based on the assessment recommendations to MBIE and SmartSat CRC, decisions may include to either:

• approve your proposal
• decline your proposal
• approve your proposal with conditions that must be met before or during the contract, or
• approve your proposal for an adjusted amount of funding

MBIE will advise all New Zealand applicants of the funding decision by email. Details of the successful projects will be published on MBIE's website.   

Contracting, reporting, and monitoring

Contracting

Successful New Zealand research organisations will enter into a funding contract with MBIE subject to any special conditions being met. The funding contract is expected to be signed and returned to us within two weeks. Please check the funding contract template in the Key documents section.  

Payments

The contract holder must manage the approved funding to ensure delivery of the contracted project. Subject to specific contract conditions, and the contract being signed by both parties:

• Full payment (100% of the total approved funding) will be paid in one instalment.
• Payment will be made on the next available payment date after the contract has been signed.

All funding will be paid in New Zealand dollars to New Zealand-based bank accounts (no international financial transfers).  Any foreign currency transactions will be the responsibility of the New Zealand research organisation(s).  

Reporting and monitoring

Final report

The completed feasibility study is included as part of the final report and developed collaboratively by the contracted New Zealand research organisation and Australian research organisation.

The final report will also include a Project Plan and Budget detailing how the project could be progressed into a longer-term collaborative research programme. A Project Plan and Budget template will be provided.

Project teams must provide clarity of future Phase B co-funding sources, including letters of support from research providers, industry and/or end users, or future funding schemes they expect to target.

The completed final report is submitted in our Pītau Investment Management System within 4 weeks following completion of the study.