Catalyst Fund Investment Plan 2024-2028

Introduction Whakataki

Welcome to the Catalyst Fund Investment Plan (the Plan). The Plan is about investing in science, technology and innovation activities that initiate, develop, and foster international collaborations to positively transform New Zealand’s economy, environment, and society.

The Plan covers four financial years from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2028.

The purpose of the Catalyst Fund is to profile New Zealand’s expertise and ability, enable New Zealand researchers to contribute to global science challenges, and leverage international research and infrastructure for New Zealand’s benefit.

It uses a combination of contestable and negotiated mechanisms to fund international research proposals and engagements that will drive scientific excellence and deliver impact at a faster pace than could otherwise be achieved solely via domestic activities.

Guided by the Government’s vision for international science partnerships and broader geostrategic objectives, the Plan reflects the broad and varied nature of Catalyst Fund investments, from small seeding and travel grants through to longer-term, large-scale strategic investments.

The flexibility of the Catalyst Fund is a key feature — it enables New Zealand to respond swiftly to emerging opportunities for international partnerships where they align with our objectives and to invest quickly to build up new areas of strategic importance.

We support contestable funding rounds jointly coordinated with our international partners, as well as unilaterally initiating globally connected programmes where we identify international opportunities, sector needs or critical research gaps. The Plan should be read together with individual calls for proposals.

Further information:

International Science Partnerships

Catalyst Fund

The Catalyst funding process Te Tukanga Tuku Pūtea o Catalyst

Proposals submitted to the Catalyst Fund will be assessed for their excellence and potential impact, and for their alignment with the Investment Signals in this Plan. MBIE, the Royal Society Te Apārangi, and the Health Research Council all administer research programmes under the Catalyst Fund.

For contestable investments, information about the application and assessment processes will be published by the relevant funding agency on their websites. Some Catalyst Fund programmes will be negotiated directly between agencies and participating organisations.

The funding mechanisms available Ngā āhuatanga pūtea e wātea ana

New Zealand researchers and research organisations can apply for funding under four different investment streams. The streams are designed to provide a pipeline for research that cannot be supported through other means, from initial engagements through to sustainable collaborations.

Fund programmes will each have their own set of economic, social, and environmental objectives due to their bespoke nature, and will have stated priority research areas and/or partners.

Investment models

The fund uses a range of models which are generally determined based on the outcomes being sought and the level of investment, as well as requirements specific to our international partners. Investment models include (but are not limited to):

• Contestable investments: funding is made through open and contestable funding rounds in areas of mutual priority with our international partners.
• Negotiated funding: direct investment with New Zealand research providers where we are seeking to invest in specific research outcomes.
• Rapid response: time critical investment in international research opportunities of relevance and importance to New Zealand.
• Individual agreements and memberships: targeted one-off grants and annual investments to support engagement in global SI&T fora of relevance and importance to New Zealand.
• Other international agreements: MBIE connects with international research organisations and may periodically invest in negotiated or contestable calls in areas of mutual priority.

What funding is available He aha ngā pūtea kei te wātea

Published information for each investment will show the value and duration of funding available. For negotiated investments the total funding available will be discussed directly between agencies and participating organisations. Funding for individual projects within a programme may be capped and there may be requirements for a minimum number of projects to be funded in programmes jointly supported with international partners.

Vision Mātauranga He Wawata Mātauranga

The Vision Mātauranga policy aims to create a better future for all New Zealanders through the innovative potential of Māori knowledge, resources, and people.

We expect that the Vision Mātauranga policy will not be relevant to all proposals. Proposals that do give effect to the policy should demonstrate the relevance and use of a fit-for-purpose approach.

Vision Mātauranga policy

Investment signals for 2024 to 2028 Ngā tohu haumi mō te 2024 ki te 2028

The Catalyst Fund creates and deepens global connections into enduring, productive partnerships capable of attracting funding from other sources in New Zealand and overseas. Its flexibility enables us to give New Zealand researchers the resources they need to engage meaningfully internationally, and to mobilise interest and resources in partner countries.

The portfolio supports a wide range of research and impact areas. Individual investments will target specific areas agreed with relevant international partners and/or will be based on identified domestic science and innovation priorities. Funding decisions will align with the objectives of other funding programmes and avoid duplication of research funding in any given area.

Proposals must:

• Demonstrate high-impact research in areas of relevance and importance to New Zealand’s economic, societal, or environmental wellbeing.
• Advance New Zealand’s global research connectivity, leveraging international expertise and increasing the integration of New Zealand research into global systems.
• Create opportunities for emerging researchers and leaders to build and benefit from global research and innovation industry connections.

Where applicable, proposals should consider the potential of Māori people, knowledge, and resources and reflect genuine, fit-for-purpose approaches for enabling that potential.

Proposals must also reflect Government policy, strategy, roadmaps, and international commitments where relevant.

MBIE will also look for international collaboration opportunities that will:

• Create pathways for commercialisation of innovative technologies.
• Support the development of robust and sustainable research ecosystems in New Zealand in priority areas.
• Enable New Zealand to contribute to global science challenges including climate change mitigation and adaptation and the safe and ethical development of advanced technologies.

Portfolio targets for the Catalyst Fund Ngā whāinga pūtea mō te Kōpaki Pūtea o Catalyst

Portfolio targets are used to help the Catalyst Fund achieve its objectives and set the long-term direction. They apply to all active contracts including new and existing ones.

Only about one-quarter of the total funding each year is available for new investments.