10 Jul 2025
The Engineering New Zealand Foundation is changing the way it supports great ideas through the Grant Programme. The once-a-year application, assessment and funding model is shifting to a more flexible and responsive approach that better meets the needs of Kiwi innovators.
From now on, Grant applications are always open. Instead of waiting for an annual deadline, you can apply whenever your idea is ready. Funding decisions will be made three times a year – in approximately May, August and November – with cutoff dates announced ahead of each round.
If your application misses one round, it’ll be considered in the next. Nice and simple. This means no more scrambling to meet an annual deadline, just rolling opportunities to put your project forward.
Why the change? Because Kiwi innovators don’t wait and engineering passion doesn't follow a schedule. Great ideas can come at any time, and the best projects shouldn’t have to sit on a shelf waiting to progress, nor should they be rushed and half-baked. By making this change, it’s easier for you to act when the time is right.
There’s no set cap or quota for each round and every application is considered on its merits. Some rounds, several applications might receive funding – others none at all. It comes down to the strength of your idea and how well it aligns with the Foundation’s mission.
Kiwi engineers test, build and create every day. If you’ve got an idea that makes a difference – the Foundation is ready when you are.
Cutoff for the August funding round is Friday 25 July.
Applications received after Friday 25 July will be assessed in November.
