Northland businesses encouraged to apply for Callaghan Innovations R & D Experience grants

Northland businesses are being encouraged to apply for the Callaghan Innovation R&D Experience student grant 2016/17 to engage an undergraduate over the summer student break.

“This is an exciting initiative which will give innovative Northland businesses the ideal R&D support they may need or are looking for from November to February when university students are available,” says regional economic development agency, Northland Inc’s Business, Innovation and Growth General Manager Joseph Stuart.

“We have many smart business operators and others with very good ideas who stand to benefit from having a student putting in time to help them progress and grow their R&D capability at a minimal cost to them.

“This is a win-win situation because at the same time the student that is engaged gets the support they need to gain and develop their technical skills in a commercial research environment.”

Applications for the grant opened today (May 18) with successful applicants gaining $7,200 + GST for employing a student in one of varied R&D fields.

The students can be studying science, technology, engineering, design or business all of which could help Northland’s economy grow.

“Having students working through the holidays could provide other flow-on effects too, such as encouraging them to move to the Northland and possibly work for companies they have become involved with once they’ve completed their studies,” says Joseph.

“To be able to gain that sort of long-term involvement would help Northland strengthen its prospects as a region and increase its contribution to the New Zealand economy.”

Businesses can get support to apply for the grant through Northland Inc, Northland’s Regional Business Partner.

For more information on how to apply go to:

http://www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz/student-grants/rd-experience-grants

ENDS

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