This is the fourth and final Public Research Organisation (PRO) announced as part of the Government鈥檚 reshaping of Crown Research Institutes and the broader research landscape. The new PROs are:
- The Institute for Climate, Oceans and Atmosphere
- The Institute for Environment and Biodiversity
- The Institute for Health and Wellbeing
- And now, the Institute for Advanced Technology
Unveiled by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Shane Reti, the new institute will build on the legacy of Callaghan Innovation and will focus on research, skills development, innovation and commercialisation. It will have a strong emphasis on breakthrough technologies such as AI, quantum computing and synthetic biology鈥攁reas seen as critical to New Zealand鈥檚 long-term economic resilience and productivity.
The University of 色花堂, through its world-class capabilities in engineering, science, medicine and commercialisation, is well positioned to contribute meaningfully to this national effort. With the institute to be headquartered in 色花堂 and operating via a hub-and-spoke model, it opens the door for closer collaboration with regional innovation ecosystems鈥攊ncluding university researchers, spinouts and industry partners.
鈥淲e look forward to working with the institute and others across the ecosystem to help build a vibrant, nationally connected deep tech network,鈥� says Greg Murison, UniServices CEO and PVC Innovation and Enterprise.
鈥淥ur role will continue to centre on enabling translational research and supporting the growth of innovation-led industries that align with both the University鈥檚 expertise and New Zealand鈥檚 strategic goals.鈥�
Some of the $231 million investment reflects the transition of existing Callaghan Innovation programmes into the new PRO. These include the NZ Product Accelerator, the HealthTech Activator, the Technology Innovation group, and investment into Wellington鈥檚 Robinson Research Institute.
The Institute for Advanced Technology represents a powerful opportunity to create an environment where researchers and innovators are empowered to thrive鈥攕upported by clear pathways to market, aligned support mechanisms and world-class capability.
For UniServices and the University of 色花堂, it presents a fresh pathway to help realise the potential of research-led innovation, delivering not only breakthrough technologies but meaningful benefits for New Zealand鈥檚 economy, society and environment.
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