Robinson secures $71 million for advanced tech platform

Robinson Research Institute has secured $71 million to establish and manage an advanced technology platform focused on Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies.

The funding will be provided over seven years through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Strategic Science Investment Fund portfolio. The initiative was announced by Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Shane Reti, at the Institute's Lower Hutt facility.

The new platform aims to support New Zealand's ambitions to expand its hi-tech export sector by applying materials science and engineering expertise across key industries, including space, electric aviation, critical minerals, and fusion energy technologies. By advancing research and development in these areas, the platform is expected to contribute to the country's innovation capability, assist companies in bringing technology to market, and support the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector.

The Institute, recognised for its work in high-temperature superconductivity (HTS), will lead the application of these technologies to address real-world challenges. 

Professor Nick Long, Director of Robinson Research Institute, stated, "It is an honour for the Institute to receive this strategic funding. At Robinson, our focus has always been on how applications of HTS can be leveraged to address real-world issues, ranging from propulsion in space to more accessible Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners."

He continued, "With proven capabilities in emerging areas like space and advanced aviation, Robinson is well-placed to drive growth in this area. Initially leveraging our capability in magnetics, the Institute has also developed processing methods for critical minerals from New Zealand resources. This funding will enable us to solve some problems with scaling these methods to commercial levels."

The broader objectives of the platform include developing workforce capability by offering internships and postgraduate study opportunities. The initiative will also encourage early career researchers to progress their work beyond the confines of the laboratory.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Professor Magaret Hyland highlighted the value of the new investment for the research community. "Te Herenga Waka has a strong culture of research excellence and the work that our staff undertake has impact on national and international scales," said Professor Hyland.

Professor Hyland added, "A valued part of the University community, Robinson Research Institute has a strong track record of projects evolving into pilot projects or commercial enterprises. This new platform is a significant opportunity for Robinson to strengthen collaborations with the wider research community, in a way that delivers stronger outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand. With an established network of research and commercialisation partnerships, within New Zealand and abroad, I can see Robinson now playing an even bigger role in enhancing New Zealand's capabilities in advanced technology."

Strengthening partnerships both locally and internationally is a key part of the planned activities, with the intention to attract further investment into New Zealand's research and development sector. Projects developed under the platform are expected to foster collaboration and create commercial pathways for scientific innovations.

The Robinson Research Institute's receipt of this funding aims to advance the development, scaling, and commercial application of HTS technology and associated material innovations, in line with national objectives to grow high-value technology sectors. The platform's establishment reflects ongoing efforts to enhance New Zealand's global standing in research, commercial partnerships, and workforce development in advanced technologies.