NZ Invests $24M in AI and Biotech to Boost Health and Future Food with Singapore

Announcing the investment, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti said the funding would support seven research projects over the next three years.

In a move to drive innovation and support practical science that delivers real-world benefits, the New Zealand Government is investing $24 million in two landmark international research programmes focused on healthy ageing and sustainable food development. The programmes, launched in partnership with Singapore, are part of a broader effort to build a high-growth, high-value economy through science and technology.

Strategic Investment for Tangible Outcomes

Announcing the investment, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti said the funding would support seven research projects over the next three years. These projects will be delivered through partnerships with Singapore’s leading science agencies, including AI Singapore and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

The funding is being channelled through the Catalyst Fund, a programme designed to enhance international scientific collaboration and accelerate innovation by linking New Zealand researchers with global leaders.

“Science and innovation are critical to building a high-growth, high-value economy,” Dr Reti said. “That’s why we’re investing in research with a clear line of sight to commercial outcomes and real public benefit.”

The aim, he said, is to ensure that science isn’t just confined to laboratories, but is applied to real-life contexts — in hospitals, homes, and businesses — where it can meaningfully improve people’s lives.

AI for Healthier Ageing

One of the two flagship research themes centres on the use of artificial intelligence to support healthy ageing. This programme, undertaken in partnership with AI Singapore, aligns with New Zealand’s broader Artificial Intelligence Strategy — a national initiative to harness AI to improve public service delivery and productivity.

“The AI programme will help develop tools that support clinicians and improve care for our ageing population,” Dr Reti said. “Our collaboration with Singapore, a country well advanced in AI, will help grow Kiwi capability to explore practical future uses of the technology.”

The AI tools are expected to enhance personalised healthcare, support predictive diagnostics, and reduce pressure on public health services by enabling smarter, earlier interventions in elderly care.

Biotechnology for Future Foods

The second research stream focuses on biotechnology applications in food production, with an eye toward long-term sustainability and economic resilience. New Zealand researchers will work with Singapore’s A*STAR to explore innovations such as alternative proteins, synthetic food ingredients, and advanced food processing systems.

These food-tech projects will look to translate cutting-edge biotech into scalable, commercially viable products that can help meet growing global food demand while reducing environmental impacts.

“These partnerships are about future-proofing our economy and our communities,” said Dr Reti. “They tackle global challenges like climate change, ageing populations, and food security, with New Zealand science leading the charge.”

Strengthening International Research Ties

Beyond advancing domestic scientific capability, the partnership with Singapore deepens bilateral research cooperation between the two innovation-driven economies. Singapore is globally recognised for its technological advancements in both AI and biotechnology, and New Zealand stands to benefit significantly from knowledge transfer and collaborative innovation.

“Working closely with international partners is essential to staying competitive and delivering cutting-edge solutions,” Dr Reti said. “By partnering with world-class institutions like AI Singapore and A*STAR, we can build New Zealand’s research capacity and accelerate the translation of science into solutions.”

A Future-Focused, Public-Benefit Approach

The investment reflects the Government’s stated goal of supporting science that not only advances knowledge but also delivers societal and economic value. These projects — from AI-enhanced healthcare to sustainable food innovation — are expected to contribute to productivity growth, public sector transformation, and enhanced wellbeing for New Zealanders.

“This Government is focused on backing the technologies that will deliver real-world results,” Dr Reti said. “We’re committed to practical, applied science that improves lives and grows our economy.”

As the global race for technological leadership intensifies, this $24 million commitment positions New Zealand at the forefront of next-generation science that is deeply relevant to the health, sustainability, and prosperity of future generations.