Blinked – and just like that, we’re back. The OOO is off, the inbox is full, and we’re into 2026. It’s shaping up to be a big year – full of ambition and plenty of ground to cover.
And while there are early signs of stability returning to Aotearoa’s business landscape, the path forward still isn’t easy. Many Kiwi companies are balancing tight cashflow, rising costs, and cautious consumer confidence – all while trying to innovate, stay competitive, and grow. It’s a climate where every dollar counts – and where the right funding support can make a real difference.
Whether you’re refining a prototype, scaling up a proven idea, or just starting to explore innovation, there are several government funding options worth knowing about this year. This article gives you a clear, no-fluff overview of five key programmes available in 2026 – from R&D incentives to sector-specific grants – to help you unlock support, save time, and focus on what’s next.
1. The R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI): Don’t Leave Funding on the Table
If you’re solving hard problems, developing new products/tech, or improving key processes in your business – you should be considering the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI).
The RDTI gives eligible businesses a 15% credit – usually received as cash – on eligible R&D spend. For many, that adds up to a serious funding boost – money that can go directly into hiring key staff, purchasing equipment, or buying time to keep pushing forward. In 2026’s economic climate, that kind of injection isn’t just helpful – it can be a game changer.
We see it all the time: bold, innovative businesses receiving hundreds of thousands back through the RDTI. If you’re eligible and not claiming, you’re simply leaving money on the table.
And here’s the thing – timing matters. If your business has a 31 March balance date, the deadline to claim for the 2026 financial year is 30 June 2026. That might sound like plenty of time – but building a strong, compliant claim takes work. The earlier you start, the more complete, compliant, and maximised your return will be.
At Swell, we specialise in RDTI claims – it’s what we do, every day. From helping you confirm eligibility, to gathering the right documentation, to preparing and submitting a compliant, maximised claim – we handle the entire process. No guesswork, no bottlenecks, and no pulling your team away from the work that matters.
👉 Read our introduction to the R&D Tax Incentive to understand how it works, who's eligible, and how it could benefit your business in 2026.
2. R&D Loss Tax Credit: Funding When You Need It Most
If your business is pre-revenue or running at a loss – but investing in R&D that tackles scientific or technological uncertainty – the R&D Loss Tax Credit (RDLTC) could provide a meaningful cash boost.
This scheme allows eligible loss-making businesses to “cash out” a portion of their R&D expenditure, receiving a cash credit of up to 28% of eligible spend. That’s real money back – helping extend your funding runway, support hiring, or fuel ongoing development when resources are tight.
In 2026, with capital still hard to come by and growth needing to be strategic, support like this can go a long way. Yet despite its value, the RDLTC remains relatively unknown. If you're doing eligible work and not claiming, you could be missing out on funding at a time when it matters most.
3. New to R&D Grant: Co‑Funding to Kickstart Formal R&D
For many businesses venturing into structured R&D, the New to R&D Grant is one of the most practical ways to get government support.
This grant helps businesses cover a portion of the costs associated with formal R&D activity – not just tinkering, but a planned programme of work aimed at resolving scientific or technological uncertainty, with a view to future growth and innovation success in 2026 and beyond.
Here’s how it works:
- Co‑funding: You can receive up to 40% of eligible costs, with your business covering the remaining 60%.
- Maximum support: Total co‑funding available is up to $400,000 – typically supporting R&D and capability development costs up to $1 million.
- Capability building: The grant also supports internal skill development, helping you build in-house R&D capability as part of your plan.
- Who it’s for: It’s designed for businesses that haven’t previously received significant government R&D funding, but are ready to take a more structured, long-term approach to innovation.
The goal isn’t just to fund one project – it’s to help you build the capability and confidence to carry out R&D on an ongoing basis, and unlock further support down the track with incentives such as the RDTI.
👉 Check out our full guide to the New to R&D Grant to learn how it works, what’s required, and whether your business might be a fit.
4. Primary Sector Growth Fund: Backing Innovation in Food & Fibre
For businesses working across New Zealand’s food and fibre landscape – from agri-tech and aquaculture to forestry and food production – the Primary Sector Growth Fund (PSGF) is a major funding opportunity in 2026.
This public–private co-investment fund supports projects that deliver real, lasting value to the sector. Whether you’re improving productivity, scaling sustainable practices, or developing higher-value products, the PSGF is designed to help turn commercial ambition into industry-wide impact.
How it works:
- Co-investment: Government typically funds up to 40% of total eligible project costs. For example, on a $5million project, you could get $2million in co-funding.
- Scale matters: Projects must be commercially robust, with clear economic benefits and sector-wide potential.
- What’s supported: Initiatives that drive export growth, boost productivity, reduce emissions, or create more value from primary resources.
With market pressures and climate challenges continuing to shape the future of food and fibre, PSGF support can help bring bold ideas to market faster – and with greater impact.
👉 Read our full guide to the Primary Sector Growth Fund to learn more about how it works and whether your project might be a fit.
5. Waste Minimisation Fund: Funding for Circular Solutions
If your business is developing solutions that reduce waste, recover resources, or support circular economy practices – the Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) is worth exploring.
The WMF supports projects that minimise environmental harm from waste and help shift Aotearoa toward a more sustainable, low-waste future. While it has backed a broad range of initiatives in the past, the current focus is on projects that divert organic waste from landfill – including food and green waste, cardboard and paper – where there’s still significant impact to be made.
Here’s how it works:
- Co‑funding: Government support typically covers up to 40% of total eligible project costs.
- What’s supported: Projects that reduce, reuse or recover waste – with a priority on organic waste diversion through infrastructure, new processes, technology, or system‑wide approaches.
- Project scale: Grants generally start at significant levels, so your project needs to be well scoped and impact‑driven to qualify.
As environmental regulations tighten and demand grows for low-waste solutions, WMF funding can help you test, scale or accelerate your waste-reduction initiative with meaningful backing from government.
👉 Read our guide to the Waste Minimisation Fund to see if your project could be eligible.
Make 2026 the Year You Back Your Bold Ideas
Whether you're scaling your R&D efforts, launching your first formal innovation project, or driving impact in food, fibre or sustainability – there’s a range of government funding available to help you go further, faster.
The key is knowing what’s out there, what you’re eligible for, and how to approach the process without it becoming a burden. That’s exactly where Swell comes in.
We help Kiwi businesses access the right funding at the right time – handling the detail so you can stay focused on what matters most. If you're looking to make the most of 2026 and want to explore what funding options could support your goals, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Get in touch – and let’s find the right support to back your next move.