United Kingdom and New Zealand strengthen space research and innovation partnership

The United Kingdom's "Scaling the Space Economy: Smarter, Faster, Together" programme will support collaborative space research with New Zealand, helping to develop promising technologies, strengthen links between the two countries' space sectors, and create new opportunities for commercialisation and investment.

The United Kingdom has committed £840,000 (approximately NZ$2 million) to support collaboration with New Zealand over the next three years, with £320,000 (approximately NZ$750,000) available for collaborative research activities in 2026-27.

New Zealand will complement it with up to NZ$1 million in 2026-27 through the Catalyst Fund. This will support the initial phase of collaboration and establish a platform for future cooperation.

Andrew Johnson, Deputy Head of the New Zealand Space Agency within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, says the programme represents an important next step in the space relationship between the two countries.

"The United Kingdom is a trusted and longstanding partner for New Zealand, with world-class space research capability and a strong commercial space sector.

"This new programme will create opportunities for New Zealand researchers, innovators and businesses to work alongside partners in the United Kingdom, access expertise and research networks, and advance promising technologies.

"We want to build connections that continue beyond the initial investment and lead to further research, commercial and investment opportunities."

Associate Director of the National Laboratories, Science and Technologies Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Dr Hugh Mortimer, says the collaboration will help accelerate the development and application of space technologies.

"The United Kingdom and New Zealand are two countries with strong links, meaning we can build partnerships by bringing together the best capabilities of both countries. This programme will help our researchers and businesses turn those strengths into useful technology, stronger commercial links and a safer space environment.

"By bringing together expertise from both countries, we can help move promising research towards practical use, from better applications of satellite data to new technologies and services that support the growing space economy."

Space research is a vital component of the United Kingdom-New Zealand Science, Innovation and Technology Work Programme. This initiative reflects both countries' continued commitment to the Work Programme by supporting joint projects between New Zealand and United Kingdom organisations, strengthening research and industry partnerships, and helping position organisations in both countries to participate in future research, innovation and investment opportunities.

The initiative also supports the objectives of New Zealand's Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy by strengthening international partnerships, accelerating innovation and commercialisation, and helping New Zealand organisations connect to global expertise, markets and investment opportunities.

Further information on collaboration opportunities and project funding will be released in the coming weeks.

Read more about the New Zealand Space Agency:

New Zealand Space Agency

Read more about Science and Innovation funding information:

Catalyst Fund

Read more about our international science partnerships:

United Kingdom-New Zealand Science, Innovation and Technology Work Programme

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United Kingdom/Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Space contact

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