The Government is allocating $15 million for innovators to put forward their solutions to help solve some of New Zealand’s biggest transport challenges.
The innovation fund Hoe ki angitū will be led by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and will look at issues such as reducing emissions and creating more sustainability in the sector.
Transport minister Michael Wood says he hopes the initiative will attract lots of Kiwi talent.
“The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and future generations to come.
“However, we know we can’t solve some the challenges we face alone, that’s why we seeking Kiwi ingenuity to find solutions that help with global transport challenges,” Wood says.
Successful applicants will receive funding and other support for a total of 16 weeks to help them accelerate their ideas.
The first three challenges applicants are being asked to address include:
- integrating low-emission first and last mile gap solutions with public transport
- connecting under-served and rural communities
- accelerating the use of recycled and sustainable materials in transport infrastructure
“New Zealand is a country full of creative, innovative people and to help us successfully meet the problems facing the transport sector we need to tap into that creativity by jointly accelerating solutions,” Wood says.
“Hoe ki angitū looks to produce exciting possibilities for our transport system and to create solutions that will serve our communities now and in the future.
“The fund demonstrates a commitment to partnering with the private sector to solve problems together.
“The fund is part of the Government’s comprehensive approach to responding to the climate emergency. Innovation is one of the pillars of our Emissions Reduction Plan to drive forward new and quicker ways to respond to the challenges we are facing in the land transport sector.
“I am looking forward to see what solutions are supported through the fund, and to seeing them being implemented in the land transport system to make it more sustainable for years to come,” Wood says.
Applications for the first three challenges are now open and close on July 4. Private sector groups such as start-ups, iwi, domestic and international companies, community grounds, research institutions and university groups are invited to submit their applications.
*Go to nzta.govt.nz/innovation for more information.
