Ārohia Trailblazer Grant
Status not published
Historically run in competitive rounds by Callaghan Innovation. Following disestablishment the grant transferred to MBIE; round timing under MBIE administration was not published as at 14 August 2026.
Co-funding of up to 50% of eligible costs for bold, market-shaping innovation projects, with individual awards historically up to several million dollars over a multi-year term. Complemented by the smaller Ārohia Evidence Grant for validation work.
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 in competitive rounds by Callaghan Innovation. Following disestablishment the grant transferred to MBIE; round timing under MBIE administration was not published 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
- Sectors: deeptech, health, climate, agri, any
- Stage: seed, Series A and growth
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
New Zealand businesses pursuing ambitious innovation with significant potential economic impact. Confirm current criteria with MBIE.
How to apply
- Confirm with MBIE whether a round is open.
- Prepare the innovation narrative showing ambition, novelty and potential to shift a market.
- Submit the application with detailed budget and co-funding evidence.
- Panel assessment and interview.
- Funding agreement with milestone-based claims.
What you will need
- Innovation project proposal
- Budget and co-funding evidence
- Financial statements
- Team and capability evidence
- Market and impact analysis
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 Trailblazer 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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