Callaghan Innovation

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.

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

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

• R&D services
• Biotechnology processing
• Innovation funding
• Scientific consulting
• Technology commercialization

Headquarters

HQ city

Wellington

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core 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

Named customers13 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cawthron InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Partner 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Global 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.
• ScanabullminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 March 2026Agritech 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 SeascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2025Premium 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 GisbornecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 October 2025Partnership 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.
• ĀrepacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 September 2025Brain-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 GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 July 2025Four-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 InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 July 2025Hawke'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)coreOthers · 14 February 2025New 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)coreOthers · 14 February 2025Receiving transferred functions upon Callaghan Innovation disestablishment including R&D Tax Incentive, grants, and loan programmes. Operating grants portal for funding applications.
• Measurement Standards LaboratorycoreOthers · 14 February 2025Part of Callaghan Innovation transferring to merged entity combining NIWA and GNS Science (earth sciences-focused Primary Research Organisation).
• Pharmalink ExtractscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 201511-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.
• MacLabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner 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 FarmsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor meat processor conducting trials with Scanabull across New Zealand for cattle weighing technology.
• NZTE (New Zealand Trade and Enterprise)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding 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 ForumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation ecosystem partner collaborating on AI governance, responsible AI use, events including AI Summit, and thought leadership on AI in Aotearoa.
• Data Ethics and Innovation CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation ecosystem partner for AI Activator focusing on AI ethics and governance frameworks.
• Whāriki Māori Business NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIwi-owned company using FoodPilot and FoodBowl facilities to produce ready-to-drink hemp milk targeting $15 billion plant-based milk alternatives global market.
• NukaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoodtech 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 ResearchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership developing AI tool to help scientists uncover soil research insights. Part of Kitmap initiative cataloguing scientific infrastructure.
• New Zealand Cleantech MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMission 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.
• LanzatechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNasdaq-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 BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupport sponsors for 2024 Cleantech Trek Europe leg, helping Kiwi startups access global investors and partners.
• Climate SaladminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVerge stand partner for Cleantech Trek, supporting Kiwi cleantech visibility at international events.
• SanfordcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor 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 VenturescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne 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 BiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlant & 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 WaikatominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Premium Seas and Callaghan Innovation for seaweed bioactive development.

Scale indicators36 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad 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

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/callaghan-innovation
• Xx.com/callaghannz

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments3872 records

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Frequently asked questions about Callaghan Innovation