|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
New Zealand’s largest contestable science fund is set to invest in 72 innovative projects that aim to advance technology and address key challenges, as announced by Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Judith Collins. With more than NZ$236 million allocated over the next five years, this round of the Endeavour Fund will focus on fostering economic growth through cutting-edge research and the development of transformative technologies.
Among the standout projects, a team from Victoria University of Wellington is dedicated to enhancing the energy efficiency of supercomputers and quantum computers. This research is critical in reducing the environmental footprint of high-performance computing systems, a growing concern as global demand for such technologies increases.
Quantum computing, in particular, holds enormous potential for revolutionising various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and artificial intelligence. However, the significant energy consumption of these machines remains a barrier to widespread adoption. By improving energy efficiency, this research could pave the way for greener and more sustainable technological advancements.
Another project led by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) is focused on combating the invasive gold clam, which poses a significant threat to water-based infrastructure and native species in New Zealand. These rapidly reproducing clams can clog water systems and disrupt the ecological balance by competing with local species for resources.
The NIWA team’s research aims to better understand the spread of this invasive species and develop strategies to mitigate its impact. This project highlights the Endeavour Fund’s role in addressing both technological and environmental challenges.
Minister Collins emphasised that this round of investment targets research projects with the potential to deliver substantial economic value while enhancing resilience and sustainability. The focus is on funding projects that not only advance technological innovation but also contribute to the long-term growth and productivity of New Zealand.
By prioritising projects that address pressing issues such as climate change, energy consumption, and environmental sustainability, the Endeavour Fund is playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.
The Endeavour Fund Investment Plan provides a clear strategy for supporting research that drives meaningful economic, environmental, and societal progress. Covering the 2025, 2026, and 2027 funding rounds, the plan outlines a commitment to backing projects that tackle significant challenges and deliver transformative outcomes for New Zealand.
The Fund operates through an open, competitive process, ensuring that only the most promising research proposals receive funding. It is structured around two key mechanisms: Smart Ideas and Research Programmes. Smart Ideas offer smaller-scale investments aimed at rapidly testing and exploring innovative concepts that have the potential to deliver significant benefits. This mechanism encourages diversity and flexibility in New Zealand’s research portfolio by supporting fresh, high-potential ideas.
In contrast, Research Programmes provide larger investments for ambitious, well-defined research initiatives that are aligned with New Zealand’s future needs and growth areas. These programmes focus on areas of critical importance, as outlined in the Fund’s Investment Signals, and have the potential to generate long-term value for the country.
By supporting larger-scale, forward-thinking research, these programmes aim to drive transformative change in sectors crucial to New Zealand’s future, including technology, agriculture, and environmental management.
Overall, the Endeavour Fund plays a crucial role in fostering innovation, economic growth, and sustainability in New Zealand. By investing in groundbreaking projects such as quantum computing efficiency and invasive species management, the Fund is addressing key global and local challenges while positioning the country as a leader in science and technology. Through its strategic focus on transformative research, the Endeavour Fund is helping to build a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future for New Zealand.
