Ārohia Evidence Grant
Status not published
Historically run alongside Trailblazer rounds. Transferred to MBIE with the disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation; current round timing unpublished as at 14 August 2026.
Smaller co-funded grants (historically up to around NZ$100,000) to gather the evidence needed to de-risk a bold innovation idea, acting as a feeder into the Ārohia Trailblazer Grant.
You must co-fund 50%. Work out the cash you need
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
public · national
Deadline: One call a year — Historically run alongside Trailblazer rounds. Transferred to MBIE with the disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation; current round timing unpublished as at 14 August 2026.
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Major bid — written case, budget, possibly partners.
You fund 50% yourself.
Who can apply
- Stage: pre-seed and seed
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
New Zealand businesses testing the feasibility of an ambitious innovation. Confirm current criteria with MBIE.
How to apply
- Confirm with MBIE whether a round is open.
- Define the evidence-gathering plan and key uncertainties.
- Submit the application.
- Assessment and funding agreement.
What you will need
- Evidence-gathering plan
- Budget and co-funding evidence
- Financial statements
- Description of the innovation idea
Related reading: How grant deadlines actually work
Source. https://www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz/stories/the-government-has-announced-that-callaghan-innovation-is-to-be-disestablished/ · not human-checked
"Ārohia Evidence Grant ... will continue to be funded by MBIE beyond the disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation"
Verified on 14 August 2026
Source: www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz
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