Tīmatanga Initiate Grant

Having some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most innovative minds isn’t enough, we need to activate and empower them to explore commercialisation and transform their research into a real-world solution. This is innovation, elevated.

Tīmatanga is te reo for ‘a beginning or starting point’, making it an ideal descriptor for this AUT Innovation Fund initiative.

Tīmatanga Initiate Grants support AUT academics’ engagement with industry and encourages them to develop a proof of concept of a research idea that shows a good chance of turning into a commercialisation opportunity.

Tīmatanga Initiate Grants range from $20,000 to $40,000 equating to a full year stipend or 1,000 hours of a Research Assistant.

HOW IT WORKS

Tīmatanga Initiate Grants are available for all AUT academic staff to apply throughout the academic year; however, grants will be awarded every two months.

• An initial discussion with AUT Ventures is required prior to applying for a grant.
• An application must be made using the approved Application Form.
• The AUT Ventures Investment Committee will approve the grants.
• Grants will be paid to RPAs based on approved budgets, therefore need to be used for eligible research activities.
• Applications may be prioritized according to the priority areas identified in the AUT Innovation Fund’s charter.
• Researchers have one opportunity to refine and re-submit their application