Institute for Advanced Technology announced as part of science system reform

25 July 2025
Progress continues in the Government’s reforms to the science, innovation and technology system, with the announcement of a $231 million investment to establish the new Institute for Advanced Technolo

This is the fourth and final Public Research Organisation (PRO) announced as part of the Government’s reshaping of Crown Research Institutes and the broader research landscape. The new PROs are:

  • The Institute for Climate, Oceans and Atmosphere
  • The Institute for Environment and Biodiversity
  • The Institute for Health and Wellbeing
  • And now, the Institute for Advanced Technology

Unveiled by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Shane Reti, the new institute will build on the legacy of Callaghan Innovation and will focus on research, skills development, innovation and commercialisation. It will have a strong emphasis on breakthrough technologies such as AI, quantum computing and synthetic biology—areas seen as critical to New Zealand’s long-term economic resilience and productivity.

The University of Auckland, through its world-class capabilities in engineering, science, medicine and commercialisation, is well positioned to contribute meaningfully to this national effort. With the institute to be headquartered in Auckland and operating via a hub-and-spoke model, it opens the door for closer collaboration with regional innovation ecosystems—including university researchers, spinouts and industry partners.

“We look forward to working with the institute and others across the ecosystem to help build a vibrant, nationally connected deep tech network,” says Greg Murison, UniServices CEO and PVC Innovation and Enterprise.

“Our role will continue to centre on enabling translational research and supporting the growth of innovation-led industries that align with both the University’s expertise and New Zealand’s strategic goals.”

Some of the $231 million investment reflects the transition of existing Callaghan Innovation programmes into the new PRO. These include the NZ Product Accelerator, the HealthTech Activator, the Technology Innovation group, and investment into Wellington’s Robinson Research Institute.

The Institute for Advanced Technology represents a powerful opportunity to create an environment where researchers and innovators are empowered to thrive—supported by clear pathways to market, aligned support mechanisms and world-class capability.

For UniServices and the University of Auckland, it presents a fresh pathway to help realise the potential of research-led innovation, delivering not only breakthrough technologies but meaningful benefits for New Zealand’s economy, society and environment.

Read the announcement from Hon Shane Reti and from MBIE.