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Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME
- What are the key dates?
- What services will we get?
- How long is each visit?
- What can we use it for?
- Who will we interact with?
- Are there any additional costs?
- When will this happen?
- Why have you limited the type of industries or businesses that can enter?
- How will you select the qualifying companies?
- Who will make the selection?
- Why is there a selection process?
ELIGIBILITY
- Am I eligible to enter?
- Is my problem or idea suitable for this programme?
- Are applications from universities or other crown research institutes eligible?
APPLICATION
- When is the deadline for applications?
- How do I apply?
- Who can I talk to about applying for this programme?
- How secure is the information I provide in my application?
- Who has access to my information?
- Who will be on the selection panel?
- How will the disclosure of confidential information be controlled?
- When will we know if we qualify for this programme?
ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME
What are the key dates?
Applications to participate in this programme will be open from 11 May 2011 to 30 June 2011. Successful applicants will be announced by the end of July 2011, and visits will be carried out between then and 23 December 2011.
What services will we get?
Hands-on and face-to-face technical interaction with one of IRL's expert scientists or engineers, at your choice of either your business' location or an IRL laboratory. In addition, we will provide a report highlighting any fresh ideas and opportunities that could improve your business quality, efficiency and differentiation, at no cost to you.
How long is each visit?
The duration of each visit will depend on the nature of the issues and the availability of your technical personnel, and will be agreed beforehand. It can range from a few hours to up a maximum of 24 hours spread over 3 days.
What can we use it for?
The visit can focus on any topic you propose: an existing problem, analysing and improving a product or process, developing an opportunity, evaluating the feasibility of an idea, or the potential for innovation, or any other reasonably well-defined topic.
Who will we interact with?
One of IRL's scientists or engineers will be selected based on the match between the nature of the topic and the staff member's expertise.
Are there any additional costs?
There will be no charge for the services IRL provides within the scope of this programme, including any IRL equipment resources. The cost of travel and accommodation (within NZ) of either the IRL representative to the client's premises, or sending your representative to IRL will be paid by IRL. Your labour and equipment costs are your responsibility. The use of IRL equipment and resources beyond the end of the visit may attract user charges. Any additional costs will be agreed with you before the costs are incurred.
When will this happen?
Visits will take place between the end of July and 23 December 2011, at dates to be determined by mutual agreement between IRL and yourself.
Why have you limited the type of industries or businesses that can enter?
This is to ensure IRL has the necessary expertise to meaningfully engage with your technological issues. Please view the About Us page of IRL’s website to review IRL’s expertise.
How will you select the qualifying companies?
The selection process is designed to focus on the potential benefit to New Zealand, and emphasizes the economic aspects, in order to serve IRL's core purpose of using R&D to empower industry to increase its contribution to the New Zealand economy.
Who will make the selection?
A panel consisting of IRL employees and one or more BusinessNZ representatives will choose the successful applicants.
Why is there a selection process?
There is a limited number of opportunities available to businesses that meet our criteria, and we need to ensure that IRL has the necessary expertise.
ELIGIBILITY
Am I eligible to enter?
Entrants must:
- Be a New Zealand resident or a New Zealand based company;
- Be GST and IRD registered in New Zealand;
- Be operating in an area of technology in which IRL has expertise, including: communications and electronic related areas, biotechnology, medical (instruments, pharmaceuticals and healthcare), nutraceuticals and cosmoceuticals, emerging technologies, energy, physical sciences and engineering, food processing, new materials and value added manufacturing;
- Not be an employee of or contractor to IRL or an immediate family member of an employee or contractor to IRL;
- Not be a company or other entity in which IRL has a direct shareholding.
Is my problem or idea suitable for this programme?
We’ll consider almost anything. Your problem or idea will be suitable if IRL has the expertise to work with you to solve your problem or develop your ideas. You can view our services and research to review IRL’s expertise. If you are still unclear, please contact sfad@irl.cri.nz.
Are applications from universities or other crown research institutes eligible?
Yes. The programme is open to any New Zealand-based business.
APPLICATION
When is the deadline for applications?
Applications close on 30 June 2011.
How do I apply?
Complete the Application Form and provide a written summary of the topic (your bussiness problem or opportunity).
Who can I talk to about applying for this programme?
If you would like to talk to someone about your application, please email us at sfad@irl.cri.nz, ring us on our tollfree number 0508 CALL IRL (0508 2255 475), or ring us on our local numbers - 09 920-3100 (Auckland), 04 931-3000 (Wellington), or 03 358-9189 (Christchurch).
How secure is the information I provide in my application?
Your individual application data will be stored securely, and will only be used for its intended purpose. Please read our Privacy Policy.
Who has access to my information?
Access to the specific information you provide about your business such as problems, plans or ideas will be limited to the selection panel and essential staff. Details such as your business name, address and area of activity will go into a database maintained by our Industry Engagement team. Please read our Privacy Policy.
Who will be on the selection panel?
The panel will consist of IRL employees and one or more BusinessNZ representatives.
How will the disclosure of confidential information be controlled?
A simple confidentiality agreement will be arranged by IRL.
When will we know if we qualify for this programme?
Applicants selected for this round of visits will be announced by the end of July 2011. Visits will take place between then and 23 December 2011.
