IRL granted technology transfer voucher accreditation

IRL has been selected as one of six accredited research organisations for the first phase of the government-funded technology transfer voucher funding scheme.

The aim of the voucher is to increase the transfer of technology and knowledge between research organisations and businesses, by supporting better linkages between the two.

As part of a phased implementation, the program will initially be targeted at supporting R&D in businesses in the manufacturing and services sector.

IRL Chief Executive Shaun Coffey says IRL is placed to work closely with businesses active in these sectors.

“IRL works with a diverse range of companies involved in everything from pharmaceutical development to energy production and distribution, bio-manufacture, advanced manufacturing and construction and engineering,” he says.

The voucher will be available to businesses that have limited in-house research capability to answer their R&D questions, and that will benefit from the R&D expertise and services of a research organisation.

“While we have a strong track record of working with some of New Zealand’s largest companies, we also have considerable experience in assisting companies with limited knowledge and experience of utilising R&D, to improve productivity and profitability through leveraging our world-class science and engineering capabilities.”

Vouchers will provide 50% of the funding towards business R&D projects to enable a business to access research services and expertise from accredited, publicly funded research organisations such as IRL.

Through the voucher scheme the government is seeking to fund substantial R&D projects with a minimum voucher value of $100,000.

From 1 November 2010 businesses will be able to apply to the Foundation for Research Science and Technology for vouchers and, if successful, redeem them with IRL and other accredited research organisations.