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Every founder’s first stop before diving into grant pathways.

1. R&D Definition (For All Pathways)

Research = original and planned investigation undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding.

Development = applying research findings or other knowledge to design or produce new or substantially improved materials, devices, products, processes, systems, or services before commercial production or use.

R&D in deep tech usually fits this definition. AI/software can be harder to classify — think of it as “little r and big D.”

Avoid describing R&D in commercial terms — use scientific or technical language.

Core R&D must occur in New Zealand (exceptions possible if ≤10% of project costs are offshore and justified).

The Four Tests

Uncertainty Tests

  1. There is a scientific or technological uncertainty you are trying to overcome.
  2. Knowledge to solve it is not publicly available (patent/literature search confirms).
  3. You are using a systematic approach — structured, methodical investigation beyond routine problem-solving.

Newness Test

  1. If above holds, activity creates new knowledge or substantially improved goods/services.

Quick Rule of Thumb

✅ YES it is R&D if:

❌ NO it is not R&D if:

Examples