NZ shortlists five AI concepts to build $70m national research platform

Dr Reti said the initiative reflects New Zealand’s commitment to using AI as a driver of sustainable economic growth, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity.

The Government has announced a major step toward establishing a world-class national platform for artificial intelligence research, with five leading AI concepts shortlisted for further development. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti said the new platform, backed by the Institute for Advanced Technology with up to $70 million over seven years, will accelerate innovation and boost New Zealand’s position in the global digital economy.

Strengthening NZ’s Position in the Global AI Landscape

Dr Reti said the initiative reflects New Zealand’s commitment to using AI as a driver of sustainable economic growth, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity.

“By embracing AI as a catalyst for sustainable growth and national competitiveness, New Zealand can lead, not follow, in the global digital economy,” he said.

The shortlisted concepts represent a broad collaboration across universities, Crown research entities, and industry, with applications spanning infrastructure, healthcare, robotics, primary industries, creative industries, and aerospace.

Five Concepts Selected for Further Development

Each shortlisted concept will receive $250,000 to prepare a comprehensive proposal for final assessment. The selected concepts include:

1. Aotearoa Agentic AI Platform

Lead: University of AucklandA next-generation platform for developing AI assistants shaped by New Zealand values, focusing on trust, transparency, and culturally aligned AI systems.

2. Aotearoa Creative AI Research Institute

Lead: Wētā FXAims to position New Zealand at the forefront of creative-sector AI innovation, enabling new tools for film, visual effects, gaming, digital design and storytelling.

3. Aotearoa Institute for Autonomous Intelligence

Lead: Earth Sciences New Zealand & Victoria University of WellingtonFocused on autonomous systems for aerospace, marine and primary industries, supporting robotics, satellite systems, and automated environmental monitoring.

4. BioAI Platform

Lead: Bioeconomy Science InstituteWill apply AI to agriculture, aquaculture and forestry, driving productivity, sustainability and export growth in New Zealand’s bio-based industries.

5. Physical AI for Real-World Systems

Lead: University of Waikato & University of CanterburyDedicated to developing AI that can operate reliably in outdoor, industrial and complex environments, supporting transport, energy, defence and infrastructure sectors.

The final AI research platform is expected to be announced in the first half of 2026, with major funding beginning in July 2026.

Governance: New Board Appointed to Guide Advanced Technology Research

Dr Reti also confirmed the members of the inaugural Institute for Advanced Technology Board, responsible for shaping the future direction of advanced research in New Zealand.

• Steve O’Connor – Establishment Chair (six-month term)

• Professor Cather Simpson – Governance and innovation expert

• Professor Greg O’Grady – Leader in medical technology and entrepreneurship

• Arama Kukutai – International investor and technology strategist

The Board will steer national research priorities in AI, quantum technologies, materials science, and other emerging fields.

Building the Foundations of NZ’s Innovation-Driven Economy

Dr Reti said the establishment of the new institute and the AI platform is central to ongoing science reforms.

“With the Board in place and momentum building across AI, quantum and materials technologies, we’re laying the foundations for long-term economic growth driven by innovation,” he said.

The programme is expected to strengthen New Zealand’s research ecosystem, accelerate commercialisation, attract global partnerships, and create new opportunities across multiple industries.