In November 2018 the mid-way review of the National Science Challenges concluded with the Science Board agreeing to fund the HVN Ko Ngā Kai Whai Painga National Science Challenge to deliver its Strategic Plan for Tranche 2 (2019-2014). The Strategic Plan sets out an approved allocation of $45.6M for research to advance the Mission of the Challenge over the next five years to 30 June 2024, with $13.7M specifically allocated for the Contestable Fund:

The primary objective of the Contestable Fund is to introduce new research ideas and teams into the Challenge that will leverage HVN Capabilities developed during Tranche 1 (2014 – 2019) to deliver excellent, high-impact science across our four Priority Health Areas of Metabolic, Digestive, Immune and Infant Health.

‘HVN Capability’ is a broad term that encompasses the intellectual property, biomarkers, metabolic or immunological fingerprints, research methods, data and tools developed through HVN-funded and aligned research projects. This includes, but is not limited to:

• ‘omics and immune phenotyping analyses
• data science capabilities
• clinical study protocols
• clinical study data
• dietary assessment techniques and questionnaires
• decision support tools (e.g. FoodFort: https://foodfort.riddet.ac.nz/)
• novel bioactive delivery technologies.

In addition to the primary objective, the specific objective for the Māori F&B Innovation Fund is to develop the innovation capacity of Māori F&B businesses and deliver outcomes for Māori that align with Māori aspirations for themselves. The specific objective for the Emerging F&B Innovation Fund is to develop the innovation capacity of emerging F&B businesses and grow the science excellence and knowledge New Zealand needs to invest in emerging industries that have the potential to deliver significant benefit for New Zealand.

Refer to the RFP Essential Documents for a comprehensive overview of the opportunity, application process and assessment criteria.