Callaghan Innovation
Callaghan Innovation is a New Zealand Crown agency providing R&D support, biotechnology processing, and innovation funding to roughly 7,800 domestic businesses, startups, and primary-industry partners, now undergoing disestablishment with functions transferring to MBIE and Public Research Organisations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersWellington, New Zealand
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Callaghan Innovation does
Callaghan Innovation was a New Zealand Crown agency established in 2012 under the Callaghan Innovation Act 2012, headquartered at 69 Gracefield Road, Lower Hutt, with 400+ staff and an annual operating cost on the order of NZD $20M for the Gracefield Innovation Quarter alone. The agency served as New Zealand's national innovation platform, providing scientific and engineering expertise, pilot-scale to commercial-scale R&D infrastructure, grant administration, and accelerator/incubator programmes to approximately 7,800 NZ businesses, including 800 priority customers. Its core operating unit, the Biotechnologies Group, performed process development, assay development, upstream and downstream processing, and testing services across natural products, food ingredients, molecular and synthetic biology, marine biomaterials, and advanced analytics, anchored by proprietary supercritical CO2 and DME extraction technology (including the CXE process patented in NZ and Australia in 2007). Specialist subsidiaries included GlycoSyn (glycan analysis) and the Measurement Standards Laboratory (calibration services), with partner programmes spanning the NZ Food Innovation Network, HealthTech Activator, Deep Tech Incubators, Bioresource Processing Alliance, and AI Activator.
Revenue came primarily from annual Crown appropriation, supplemented by fee-for-service R&D contracts with enterprises (Pharmalink Extracts, Sanford, Alpha Group, MacLab, Silver Fern Farms) and repaying grant components under the Deep Tech Incubator Programme (minimum $1M package, $750K repayable). The agency self-described as supporting innovation across startups, SMBs, primary industries, health/biotech, the Māori economy (Te Pokapū Auaha), and advanced technology companies, with a sales-led and enterprise field-sales go-to-motion concentrated on direct engagement with priority customers and Regional Business Partner referrals.
In February 2025 the New Zealand Government announced disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation as part of broader science sector reform merging Crown Research Institutes into Public Research Organisations (PROs). Functions have been transferring to MBIE (R&D Tax Incentive and grant programmes) and to new PROs — the Biotechnologies Group to the Bioeconomy Science Institute by June 2026 (funded through 30 June 2027), and the Measurement Standards Laboratory to a merged NIWA/GNS Science entity. The wind-down has involved 57% workforce contraction, NZD $10.7M in redundancy costs across 209 employees, the resignation of CEO Stefan Korn effective mid-January 2026, and KPMG engagement to explore commercial options for the 10-hectage, NZD $60.25M-capital-valued Gracefield Innovation Quarter.
Callaghan Innovation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Callaghan Innovation
- Legal name
- Callaghan Innovation
- Website
- https://www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Closed
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Callaghan Innovation is a New Zealand Crown agency providing R&D support, biotechnology processing, and innovation funding to roughly 7,800 domestic businesses, startups, and primary-industry partners, now undergoing disestablishment with functions transferring to MBIE and Public Research Organisations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Callaghan Innovation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Government Innovation Services (R&D and Innovation Agency)
- NAICS
- Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Science, Technology & Innovation Administration (National R&D Policy) (BPAIAAAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Digital Development & ICT4D / GovTech Technical Assistance (BPADAEAL), Governance, Public Financial Management & Service Delivery Reform (BPADAEAD)
Keywords
Where Callaghan Innovation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wellington
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices2 records
Markets served
Callaghan Innovation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Public Funding / Government Appropriation: Callaghan Innovation is a Crown agency funded by the New Zealand Government. Funding covers operations including grants to businesses, R&D services, and innovation support programs. Budget 2025 commits over $1.8 billion to science innovation. Funding for Applied Technology services was extended to 30 September 2025. The Biotechnologies Group is funded through 30 June 2027.
- R&D and Technical Services: Fee-for-service R&D and technical services provided to businesses through the Biotechnologies Group, Measurement Standards Laboratory, and other service units. Services include process development, assay development, upstream and downstream processing, and testing services.
- Grant Administration: Administration of government grants including Research & Development Tax Incentive, various Ārohia grants, R&D Loans, and other funding programs transferred to MBIE upon disestablishment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | Research & Development Tax Incentive - Government co-funding for eligible R&D expenditure |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Ārohia Trailblazer Grant - Grant funding for innovation projects |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Deep Tech Incubator Programme - Minimum $1M funding with $750K repayable grant |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
Callaghan Innovation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Callaghan Innovation provides R&D services, biotechnology processing, scientific expertise, and innovation funding to New Zealand businesses. Its core offerings include the Biotechnologies Group (process development, assay development, extraction and processing services), specialist laboratories (GlycoSyn, Measurement Standards Laboratory), accelerator/incubator programmes, and administration of government grants including the R&D Tax Incentive. The agency supports businesses across primary industries, biotech, food, health technology, and deep tech sectors.
Product overview
Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand's innovation agency providing a comprehensive portfolio of R&D support services, biotechnology processing capabilities, and innovation programs. The core offerings include the Biotechnologies Group (offering natural products processing, molecular biology, analytical services), specialist laboratory services (GlycoSyn, Measurement Standards Laboratory), and accelerator/incubator programs (HealthTech Activator, Deep Tech Incubators, AI Activator, NZ Food Innovation Network). The organization also manages grant and funding programs (R&D Tax Incentive, Ārohia Trailblazer, R&D Loans) and provides access to pilot-scale manufacturing facilities. As of early 2025, Callaghan Innovation is being disestablished with functions transferring to MBIE and new Public Research Organisations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Biotechnologies Group: Applied research division providing process development, assay development, upstream and downstream processing and testing services for biotechnology applications
- HealthTech Activator
- Deep Tech Incubators
- AI Activator
- Measurement Standards Laboratory
- Bioresource Processing Alliance
- New Zealand Food Innovation Network
- GlycoSyn
Products and services
- Biotechnologies Group
- Natural Products Processing Service
- Food Ingredients Processing Service
- Natural Agrichemicals Development Service
- Molecular and Synthetic Biology Service
- Full Natural Resource Utilisation Service
- Advanced Analytical Services
- GlycoSyn
- Measurement Standards Laboratory (MSL)
- NZ Product Accelerator
- HealthTech Activator
- Deep Tech Incubators
- Bioresource Processing Alliance
- New Zealand Food Innovation Network (NZFIN)
- AI Activator
- GovGPT
- Kitmap
- Research & Development Tax Incentive
- Ārohia Trailblazer Grant
- New to R&D Grant
- R&D Loans
Quantifiable outcome
- Pharmalink Extracts partnership generated over $60 million in annual revenue in 2025, anchored 100+ jobs and kept revenue in New Zealand
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Callaghan Innovation
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Callaghan Innovation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability9 records
Feature6 records
Callaghan Innovation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Cawthron InstitutecorePartner organisation joining the OCEOMICS international consortium alongside Callaghan Innovation's Biotechnologies Group to explore marine microorganisms for skincare ingredients using genomic screening, AI, and biotechnology tools.
- OCEOMICS Project (International Consortium led by Spain)coreGlobal ocean biodiscovery programme exploring marine microorganisms for next-generation skincare ingredients using genomic screening, AI, and biotechnology tools. Emphasis on ethical and Treaty obligations for New Zealand's diverse marine environments.
- ScanabullminorAgritech startup in Callaghan Innovation's Deep Tech Incubator programme developing computer-vision system for instant cattle weight estimation. Achieves over 93% accuracy on individual animals. Trials underway with Silver Fern Farms across NZ.
- Premium SeascorePremium Seas collaborated with Callaghan Innovation's Biotechnologies Group to develop and scale a process for concentrating and drying a fucoidan-rich seaweed extract from Japanese mozuku seaweed. Produced freeze-dried seaweed powder prototype and validated pathway to market. Product launched as key ingredient in Purify Me product Pure Flow, a NZ-made nutritional supplement.
- Alchemy GisbornecorePartnership through Bioresource Processing Alliance to develop a prototype machine automating finger lime pearl extraction, replacing labour-intensive hand extraction. Created premium shelf-stable ingredients including freeze-dried pearls, stabilised fresh pearls, peel powder, and citrus oil from second-grade fruit.
- ĀrepacoreBrain-food technology company partnered with Biotechnologies Group to extract and scale up production of sarmentosin, a mood and cognition-enhancing bioactive compound, from blackcurrant processing waste. Project progressed to 50 litre extraction trials toward establishing pilot-scale production for supplements and health products.
- Alpha GroupcoreFour-year partnership to develop novel submerged fermentation process for Ganoderma lingzhi (Reishi mushroom), reducing production time from six months to under three weeks. World-first production facility established in Auckland with new patented process improving quality, yield, and extraction of bioactive compounds. Alpha Group positioned for global expansion.
- Kabocha InnovationcoreHawke's Bay-based venture partnered to develop high-protein powder (approximately 70% protein) from kabocha squash seeds previously discarded as waste. First patent application filed. Product can be used in beverages, supplements, plant-based milk, meat substitutes, and protein bars.
- Bioeconomy Science Institute (Public Research Organisation)coreNew PRO being established to receive the Biotechnologies Group transfer. In February 2025, Government announced Biotechnologies Group would join Bioeconomy Science Institute by June 2026. The Group is funded through 30 June 2027.
- MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment)coreReceiving transferred functions upon Callaghan Innovation disestablishment including R&D Tax Incentive, grants, and loan programmes. Operating grants portal for funding applications.
- Measurement Standards LaboratorycorePart of Callaghan Innovation transferring to merged entity combining NIWA and GNS Science (earth sciences-focused Primary Research Organisation).
- Pharmalink Extractscore11-year strategic partnership (since approximately 2015) using Callaghan Innovation's patented supercritical extraction technology at Pharmalink's commercial facility in Nelson. Technology produces high-value mussel and krill oils generating over $60 million annual revenue, with 100+ jobs anchored in Nelson. Pharmalink paid $1.16 million income tax in 2024 alone. Partnership enables extraction of polar lipids using CO2 and ethanol co-solvent at commercial scale.
- MacLabminorPartner company processing raw mussel material for Pharmalink Extracts, employing 130 jobs at seasonal peak. Part of the Nelson marine supply chain supported by the Callaghan Innovation partnership.
- Silver Fern FarmsminorMajor meat processor conducting trials with Scanabull across New Zealand for cattle weighing technology.
- NZTE (New Zealand Trade and Enterprise)coreMajor partner in AI Activator initiative for AI adoption support. Provides access to global network of experts and export advice for businesses commercialising AI products.
- NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research)coreFounding partner in AI Activator initiative, providing connection to Crown Research Institutes and expertise. Also part of wider science sector reforms merging with GNS Science.
- AI ForumcoreInnovation ecosystem partner collaborating on AI governance, responsible AI use, events including AI Summit, and thought leadership on AI in Aotearoa.
- Data Ethics and Innovation CentreminorInnovation ecosystem partner for AI Activator focusing on AI ethics and governance frameworks.
- Whāriki Māori Business NetworkcorePartnership for GovGPT development ensuring cultural relevance and appropriateness of content for Māori users. Supports multilingual capability including Te Reo Māori.
- Pure Heart Aotearoa (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki nui-a-Rua)coreIwi-owned company using FoodPilot and FoodBowl facilities to produce ready-to-drink hemp milk targeting $15 billion plant-based milk alternatives global market.
- NukaminorFoodtech startup using The FoodBowl to produce liquid smoke from kānuka plants for instant hāngī flavouring. First batch sold out. Planning own manufacturing plant in Ruatōria.
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare ResearchminorPartnership developing AI tool to help scientists uncover soil research insights. Part of Kitmap initiative cataloguing scientific infrastructure.
- New Zealand Cleantech MissioncoreMission initiative supporting Kiwi cleantech startups to access global market through Cleantech Trek programme. Three startups (Cetogenix, Mushroom Material, Nilo) recognised on Cleantech Group's 2024 50 to Watch list.
- LanzatechminorNasdaq-listed cleantech company that began as Auckland startup. Their carbon capture process used at ArcelorMittal's facility in Ghent, Belgium. Example of Kiwi cleantech success story.
- NZTE, Are Ake, Auckland Unlimited, ASB BankminorSupport sponsors for 2024 Cleantech Trek Europe leg, helping Kiwi startups access global investors and partners.
- Climate SaladminorVerge stand partner for Cleantech Trek, supporting Kiwi cleantech visibility at international events.
- SanfordcoreMajor seafood company used FoodBowl hub over five years to develop marine nutraceutical ingredients including fish oils, proteins and mussel extracts. Validation led to $20 million marine extracts facility in Blenheim.
- Bridgewest VenturescoreOne of five Deep Tech Incubator Programme partners specialising in supporting growth of deep tech startups. Identified NZ as good emerging market due to top-tier universities and ease of doing business.
- Scentian BiominorPlant & Food Research spin-out in Deep Tech Incubator Programme developing biosensors for chemical compound detection with applications in agriculture, healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety.
- University of WaikatominorPartnered with Premium Seas and Callaghan Innovation for seaweed bioactive development.
Scale indicators36 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Callaghan Innovation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation): Australia's national science agency, a much larger established counterpart to Callaghan Innovation. Operates across similar biotechnology, manufacturing and digital domains with deeper funding and broader scale.
- Innovate UK: UK's national innovation agency funding business-led R&D and providing innovation support services. Direct analogue in terms of grant administration, incubator programmes, and innovation ecosystem development.
- SRI International: US non-profit scientific research institute providing contract R&D, technology development and licensing across biotech and physical sciences. Comparable applied research model with significant patent portfolio and industry partnerships.
- Fraunhofer Society: Germany's applied research organisation with 76 institutes conducting contract R&D for industry. Closely comparable model: government-funded applied research, industry partnerships, IP licensing, and pilot-to-commercial scale-up services.
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: Finnish government-owned applied research organisation providing contract R&D, biotech, and innovation services to industry. Similar applied science model with technology licensing and industry commercialisation focus.
Direct peers
- Plant & Food Research: NZ Crown Research Institute conducting plant and food research with biotechnology, extraction and bioactive compound capabilities directly overlapping with Callaghan Innovation's Biotechnologies Group and Food Innovation Network.
- AgResearch: New Zealand Crown Research Institute focused on agricultural research and biotech. Directly comparable as a fellow CRI providing R&D services to NZ primary industries with similar government funding model and science commercialisation mandate.
- NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research): NZ Crown Research Institute and AI Activator partner. Comparable as a publicly-funded research institute undergoing the same PRO merger with GNS Science, with overlapping marine and biotech research capabilities.
- GNS Science: NZ Crown Research Institute focused on earth sciences, set to merge with NIWA into a single PRO. Shares the same government restructuring pathway and public-good R&D mandate as Callaghan Innovation.
Regional players
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research: NZ Crown Research Institute focused on land and environment research. Comparable as a domestic CRI partner on Kitmap and AI soil research initiatives with similar government funding and PRO restructuring pathway.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Callaghan Innovation social profiles
Digital presenceCallaghan Innovation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Callaghan Innovation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Callaghan Innovation subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Callaghan Innovation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Callaghan Innovation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments3872 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Callaghan Innovation
What does Callaghan Innovation do?
Callaghan Innovation provides R&D services, biotechnology processing, scientific expertise, and innovation funding to New Zealand businesses. Its core offerings include the Biotechnologies Group (process development, assay development, extraction and processing services), specialist laboratories (GlycoSyn, Measurement Standards Laboratory), accelerator/incubator programmes, and administration of government grants including the R&D Tax Incentive. The agency supports businesses across primary industries, biotech, food, health technology, and deep tech sectors.
Is Callaghan Innovation a public or private company?
Callaghan Innovation is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently closed.
When was Callaghan Innovation founded?
Callaghan Innovation was founded in 2013. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Callaghan Innovation based?
Callaghan Innovation is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does Callaghan Innovation make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Public Funding / Government Appropriation is the primary driver. The others are R&D and Technical Services and grant Administration.
Who are Callaghan Innovation's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), Innovate UK, SRI International, Fraunhofer Society and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Direct peers are Plant & Food Research, AgResearch, NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) and GNS Science. Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research is listed as a regional player.
Does Callaghan Innovation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Callaghan Innovation.
What industry is Callaghan Innovation in?
Callaghan Innovation's product category is Government Innovation Services (R&D and Innovation Agency). Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIAAAK, Science, Technology & Innovation Administration (National R&D Policy), with a secondary code of BPADAEAL, Digital Development & ICT4D / GovTech Technical Assistance. Its NAICS code is 5417 and its SIC code is 8731.