$1.8m Kiwi Space Activator launched to grow technology for future NZ missions

Ms Collins said the programme represents an important step in strengthening New Zealand’s space ecosystem and building on the country’s growing international reputation as a centre for space innovation.

Space Minister Judith Collins has launched a new $1.8 million pilot programme aimed at accelerating the development of advanced space technologies by New Zealand companies and research institutions, with a long-term goal of supporting a future national space mission.

The initiative, known as the Kiwi Space Activator, is designed to help local businesses and universities move promising space technologies and concepts out of the laboratory and into real-world testing environments, including rockets, satellites and high-altitude platforms.

Ms Collins said the programme represents an important step in strengthening New Zealand’s space ecosystem and building on the country’s growing international reputation as a centre for space innovation.

“The Kiwi Space Activator will help more Kiwi businesses and universities move novel space technology and concepts from the laboratory to the skies,” she said. “We want to turn big ideas into big impact, and this is the first step in our journey.”

The Space Minister said the capabilities developed through the pilot could eventually contribute to a future New Zealand-led space mission, with practical applications across a range of national priorities. These include resource and environmental management, maritime domain awareness, monitoring illegal fishing, and improving New Zealand’s ability to understand and operate safely in space.

The programme will be administered by the New Zealand Space Agency and delivered over two years through two competitive funding rounds. A total of $1.8 million has been allocated, with up to $600,000 available for each successful project. At least three projects are expected to be supported through the pilot.

Ms Collins explained that the first funding round will focus on projects that are “ready to fly”, meaning the technology must be sufficiently mature to be tested on a space-related platform within the next 18 to 24 months. This requirement is intended to ensure early projects deliver tangible results and generate lessons for future government investment in the sector.

The Kiwi Space Activator is targeted at projects that align with key challenges identified by government agencies. These include maritime security, space situational awareness, biosecurity threats, and ecosystem health. Projects may also address New Zealand Space Agency challenges related to the innovative development of core satellite components, such as power systems, propulsion, or communications technologies.

Ms Collins said the pilot will play an important role in shaping how the Government supports the space sector in the future, helping to identify where public investment can best accelerate innovation, strengthen sovereign capability, and deliver value for New Zealanders.

The programme is open exclusively to New Zealand-based organisations. For round one, applicants are required to contribute at least 30 percent of project cash costs, ensuring strong industry commitment. For round two, both in-kind and cash co-funding will be accepted, providing greater flexibility as projects progress.

Applications for the Kiwi Space Activator are now open and will close on 1 March 2026. Further information on eligibility criteria, funding conditions and the application process is available through the New Zealand Space Agency website.