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Cawthron Institute Recognised As Key Provider of Innovation Solutions to BusinessCawthron Institute, New Zealand's largest independent research organisation, says it's recently announced accreditation as a research and development partner for the Ministry of Science and Innovation's Technology Transfer Voucher programme is a significant acknowledgement of the institute's potential to add value to New Zealand. Cawthron Institute CEO Gillian Wratt says they're excited to join the programme as a provider. "Cawthron Institute is about providing research-based solutions to real-world challenges, so this new connection to businesses is a natural fit for us. We already help New Zealand businesses to grow through innovation and we hope that we can now extend that to even more projects through the voucher programme." The Technology Transfer Voucher programme was initiated by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) last year. The coverage of the programme has now been extended to include support for businesses wanting to do agri-tech R&D projects. Eligible businesses can apply for a voucher which will pay half of the R&D costs with an accredited partner for an approved project. Cawthron Institute is the first non-government owned research organisation to be accredited for the programme. Robert Matheson, Cawthron Institute's Research Strategy & Business Development Manager, says because the Ministry expanded the scheme to include the agri-technologies sector, Cawthron was eligible to apply to become a partner. "We have a long track record of delivering R&D and transferring knowledge into businesses across both the commercial and government sectors so we're looking forward to being able to provide that same level of top service for even more innovative business projects." "We can add expertise in aquaculture and horticultural products as well as nutraceuticals and functional foods. If we can assist in the development of more effective and efficient production of specialty products then we can enable businesses to advance their ideas in ways they might not previously have been able to without the support available through this scheme." "From the point of view of New Zealand businesses, we're thrilled that there will be increased access to Cawthron's research expertise. We will work with new clients through the voucher programme in the same way we do with our current clients – with direct interaction between our scientists and the business to develop commercially viable solutions to business requirements." Tony Brenton-Rule, project manager for the voucher programme at MSI says the addition of Cawthron Institute adds value to the existing R&D partner network. "Their extensive research experience in the agri-tech area brings a new dimension to the Technology Transfer Voucher programme. Plus it means businesses in the top of the South Island now have easier access to high-quality research expertise." Cawthron Institute has an international reputation for excellence in aquaculture and environmental science as well as analytical services and Robert Matheson says the government accreditation reflects well on the organisation. "This puts us into a space where we are recognised alongside the public research organisations for the quality of our work and the way we support New Zealand businesses. Our revenue comes in roughly equal proportions from the private sector, commercial services to local and central Government agencies and from successful competitive bidding to Government supported R&D funding schemes. Our ability to manage and deliver results to businesses has been proven over many years and accreditation as a provider to this programme reinforces this." For more information or to register your interest for a Technology Transfer Voucher, visit www.msi.govt.nz/voucher. For more information: Robert Matheson
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