The Catalyst Fund is another research funding scheme managed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in New Zealand. It’s designed to support more strategic, seeding, and leader-focused research activities.
Key Components:
Catalyst: Strategic
- Supports strategic research collaborations and international partnerships
- Enables New Zealand researchers to participate in large international research programs
- Helps build strategic research relationships
Catalyst: Seeding
- Funds early-stage, innovative research ideas
- Supports exploratory research that could lead to larger projects
- Helps researchers test concepts and gather preliminary data
- Typically shorter duration and smaller funding amounts than Endeavour
Catalyst: Leaders
- Supports exceptional researchers to pursue ambitious research programs
- Provides flexible funding for research leaders
- Focuses on building research leadership capability in New Zealand
Key Features:
- More flexible than Endeavour Fund
- Encourages bold, innovative thinking
- Supports capability building and emerging researchers
- Facilitates international connections
- Shorter application and review processes
Investment:
The Catalyst Fund typically invests tens of millions annually across its various categories.