The Bay of Plenty’s innovation sector is set for a summer boost, with more than 30 innovation businesses receiving a record amount of funding to bring postgraduate students into their R&D teams.
This summer, 76 post-graduate students will join 33 businesses in tech, science and engineering for full-time, paid internships through the Innovation Services by MBIE R&D Experience Grant.
The grants, facilitated by Tauranga Business Chamber, will see $880,000 allocated to the region.
The Chamber celebrated the milestone at an event at the University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus this week, attended by grant recipients, employers and MBIE Innovation representatives.
Chamber CEO, Matt Cowley, says the record number of grants awarded this year reflects the ambition of local businesses looking to grow and innovate.
“These grants allow businesses to bring in highly skilled students to accelerate their R&D projects.
“It’s a great injection of talent into the region’s economy over summer, and will boost the number of innovation projects across the Bay of Plenty.”
Matt says the Chamber supported businesses to navigate the application process to ensure the region secured a large share of the national funding pool.
“Supporting these businesses to prepare and submit strong applications has paid off, with nearly $900,000 in funding that directly strengthens our business community.”
Chamber Growth & Innovation Manager, Roz Irwin, says the milestone is a testament to the strength, creativity, and ambition of the region’s innovation sector.
“This achievement is proof that when industry, students, researchers, and regional partners work together, we create momentum.
“Together, we’re growing capability, accelerating ideas, and ensuring the Bay of Plenty continues to be a place where innovation thrives.”
Global-focused climate tech company, Cetogenix, is taking on five student interns this summer.
Chief Operations Officer, Alexandra Stuthridge, says the grant makes it possible for startups like Cetogenix to host students and provide them hands-on experience in deeptech innovation.
“The programme helps Cetogenix identify future talent, while students make tangible contributions to real-world projects that accelerate our work.”
University of Waikato Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alister Jones, says giving students real-world R&D experience benefits both their careers and the wider economy.
“Summer internships give students meaningful, relevant hands-on experience while contributing value to the organisations they work with.
“When our students apply their learning in real-world environments, they not only grow their skills and confidence, they help future-proof the Bay of Plenty with the talent and capability it needs.”
