Category Definition: Deep Tech (science, hardware, advanced engineering, AI with uncertainty + experiments)

Category Examples: biotech diagnostics, medtech devices, advanced manufacturing, climate tech, aerospace, clean tech

Why it Matters: Deep tech is almost always R&D eligible

5-Stage Pathway: R&D YES

Do This First: Book a free session with your RBP Growth Advisor.

(⚠️ Regional Business Partner (RBP) registration is required for most grants.)

• Regional Business Partner Network – Find Your RBP
• MSD Self-Employment Start-up Payment
• MSD Flexi-Wage for Self Employment
• MSD Business Training & Advice Grant | Entry to ecosystem
  ⚠️ RBP registration required for many grants | | 2. Early Validation | Test feasibility, protect IP | - RBP Capability Voucher
• Callaghan New to R&D Grant
• Callaghan Career Grants
• Ārohia Evidence Grant | Proves tech + market potential
  ⚠️ Co-funding (60%) required for R&D grants
  ⚠️ NZ-based R&D activity required | | 3. Pre-Scale | Build prototypes, hire talent | - Callaghan R&D Experience Grants
• Callaghan Ārohia Trailblazer Grant
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• Business Mentors NZ - Calaghan Deep Tech Incubator | Move from lab to prototype
  Access networks + advisory | | 4. Scale & Capital Raise | Secure capital, expand markets | - NZ Growth Capital Partners (Aspire & Elevate Funds)
• New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
• NZ Export Credit (NZEC) | Fuels scaling
  ⚠️ NZGCP requires lead investor
  ⚠️ NZEC reduces export risk | | 5. Ongoing Support | Sustain innovation long-term | - R&D Tax Incentive (15% credit)
• R&D Tax Loss Cash-Out | Supports reinvestment
  Long-term innovation funding |

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⚠️ R&D ≠ Deep Tech (in VC Terms)

Government R&D eligibility is about whether your work meets a legal/technical definition — solving scientific or technological uncertainties with a systematic approach.

Venture capitalists, on the other hand, use deep tech to mean something narrower:

• Deep Tech (VC lens) = high-bar science and engineering companies (e.g. biotech, advanced materials, robotics, climate science, aerospace). They usually require long development timelines, capital intensity, and defensible IP.

• R&D (Gov’t lens) = much broader. A novel AI algorithm, a new data-processing approach, or an advanced manufacturing process can all count as R&D — even if they wouldn’t be pitched as “deep tech” to VCs.

  Why it matters:

  • You might qualify for Callaghan grants or the R&D Tax Incentive even if deep tech VCs wouldn’t call you “deep tech.”
  • Don’t let VC terminology stop you from applying for support — assess by the R&D tests, not just the investor label. </aside>

Case Studies: R&D YES

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🧬 Biotech Diagnostic Startup

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🤖 Agricultural Robotics Company

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🌏 Climate Tech Packaging Startup

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Quick Navigation:

NZ Government Support

Pathway 1: R&D YES Pathway 2: AI & Software – R&D YES Pathway 3: AI & Software – R&D NO Pathway 4: R&D NO