Plant & Food Research approved as R&D partner

Plant & Food Research approved as R&D partner for Technology Transfer Voucher programme

Auckland, New Zealand. 1 July 2011 Plant & Food Research has been accredited as an R&D partner for the Ministry of Science and Innovation's Technology Transfer Voucher programme, designed to encourage business to engage in research and development that benefits New Zealand.

The programme allows businesses requiring R&D expertise in high value manufacturing and services to apply for Vouchers to fund 50% of their research projects. Vouchers can range from $30,000 to $1 million and must be used in conjunction with accredited R&D partners across New Zealand.

"Innovation is crucial in creating a strong New Zealand economy," says Dr Gavin Ross, Plant & Food's General Manager Business Development. "The Voucher scheme will allow companies to access additional funding to assist with key research projects, allowing them to build their businesses. Plant & Food is pleased to be involved with the scheme and in helping these companies meet their goals."

The Voucher scheme provides $5 million each year until 1 July 2014 for research into novel materials, manufacturing and applications; health and medical technologies; information, communications and digital technologies; and agri-technologies. Plant & Food Research, the Crown Research Institute tasked with adding value to the horticultural, arable, seafood and food and beverage industries, has extensive research capacity for these sectors as well as other agri-tech and manufacturing businesses.

More information on the scheme can be found at www.msi.govt.nz/voucher .

ends

© Scoop Media