Research Acceleration Programme
The RAP is a contestable acceleration programme for very early-stage medical device and digital health technology projects working towards clinical application and commercialisation.
This programme will identify, de-risk and curate opportunities for innovative health technologies, with an emphasis towards those addressing accessibility and inequity issues. The objective is to create a high-value deep tech pipeline for the investment community.
This initiative is funded by MBIE for $2.7 million per year and hosted by the University of Auckland on behalf of the CMDT partners.
STAGE I
STAGE II
STAGE III
$10K - $20K
$100K
$40K - $80K
DE-RISKING IDEAS
PROOF OF CONCEPT
FUNDING AVAILABLE PER PROJECT:
ACCELERATION
CONCEPT SEEDING
COLLABORATION & IDEATION
PHASE:
SCALE-UP FUNDING & SUPPORT
I
Collaboration & Ideation
Stage 1 RAP funding supports the formation of new collaborative relationships between researchers, clinicians, companies and/or partnerships with Māori and Pacific communities.
This is an open call for proposals and submission can be made at any time. Proposals are reviewed every two months and awarded within four weeks.
$10k - $20k
III
Acceleration
Stage III RAP acceleration funding is to support projects to refine proven concept and prototypes including small scale clinical trials and preparation for commercial readiness.
Applications for this fund are by invitation. There is an interview process prior to submission of a proposal. In 2024, awards will be made in April, August, and November.
$100k
FAQ's
Do I have to complete the entire RAP funding pathway?
You can enter the pathway either at Stage I or Stage II, however, to apply for Stage III funding you must have successfully completed Stage II.
Can I apply for seed funding more than once?
Yes, you can apply for Stage I and II funding more than once, however, it would require a strategy as to why you are coming back a second time, particularly for Stage II.
How many collaborations are required for this programme?
For Stage I and Stage II funding, you must have a collaboration of at least 2 organisations with one of them being a member of the CMDT.
For Stage III, a single organisation can apply alone.
Can I bring international collaborators?
Yes, we do encourage international collaboration. Your international collaborators will need to bring their own funding to support their side of the project.