Who we are

The Materials Accelerator is a multi-materials research and development programme that aims to transform New Zealand’s manufacturing sector through R&D partnerships between industry and researchers, using a co-operative R&D model. The programme has received nearly ten million dollars of government funding over four years (2009-2013). The intention is to build a national network of materials researchers that will create value for innovative New Zealand companies.

The focus of the Materials Accelerator is on working with companies to develop high-value export products that incorporate multiple materials, such as plastics, metals, composites, ceramics, conducting polymers, bio-materials, and coatings. Some technologies will be sufficiently advanced to be commercialised within the next four years. Other technologies that have potential for outstanding returns (but are medium-term commercialisation prospects) will also be supported.

The programme is expected to generate economic growth and skilled jobs throughout New Zealand’s manufacturing sector. The benefits are expected to flow across a wide range of industries, including plastics and packaging, construction, electronics and devices, and the marine, transport, and aerospace sectors.

The Materials Accelerator is a new model for research in New Zealand, bringing companies and researchers together right at the start of the research process. The intention is that specific industry needs will drive research priorities, enabling faster commercialisation of new technologies and applications.

Eight research organisations are partners in the Materials Accelerator. They are AUT University, GNS Science, IRL, Scion, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, University of Waikato and the University of Auckland.

The Materials Accelerator’s Director, Professor Ralph Cooney, Deputy Director Mark Taylor, and team are based at the Tamaki Campus of the University of Auckland.

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