Commercialisation Partner Network

Through the Network, we are seeking better economic outcomes from the commercialisation of publicly funded research in New Zealand.

The CPN aims to:

• increase the rates of technology or intellectual property that firms can use
• increase the formation of investable entities (spinout or start-up companies)
• strengthen the links between research organisations and individuals, organisations and firms with capabilities and interests in commercialisation
• improve the capabilities in commercialisation units
• increase the visibility, transparency, and access to information about R&D projects, organisations and personnel.

The Government seeks an integrated approach to commercialisation where those involved in commercialisation activities work together to create scale, enhance capability and improve collaboration.

CPN works alongside the PreSeed Accelerator Fund. CPN builds capability and PreSeed provides project funding.

The 2019 investment round

In December 2018, we issued a call for proposals to be considered for 2019 funding for the creation or continuation of a Commercialisation Centre. We were seeking Centres that would provide the best mix to create scale, enhance capability, and improve collaboration to generate increased wealth and maximise net benefit for New Zealand.

We invested $8,537,080 (excluding GST) over 2 years from 1 July 2019 in the following successful applicants to advance commercialisation projects to a point of investor-readiness.

• Auckland UniServices Ltd
• Kiwi Innovation Network Ltd (KiwiNet)

In 2021, these contracts were extended with $4,268,540.07 per annum until June 2025.

The Commercialisation Partner Network Fund Call for Proposals contains the information that was required to prepare and submit a funding proposal. This remains as a detailed guideline to the purpose of the fund.

Commercialisation Partner Network Fund Call for Proposals 2019 Investment Round [PDF, 1.3 MB]

The Commercialisation Partner Network Fund Assessment Guidelines contains information on the assessment process.

Commercialisation Partner Network Fund Assessment Guidelines 2019 Investment Round [PDF, 952 KB]

For more information, email CPN@mbie.govt.nz

Commercialisation Partner Network Reporting Requirements

Annual reports on the status of your contracted work programme should be entered and submitted in Pītau - our online portal between Thursday 1 August 2024 and Friday 30 August 2024.

The reporting period covers the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.

See the reporting template for annual reports to find out what information you need to provide, how to submit your report, and how your report will be assessed.