Source: New Zealand Government
Good evening.
Thank you, Professor Frédérique Vanholsbeeck, for your warm introduction, and for the energy and passion you bring to advancing our photonics and optics sector across Australia and New Zealand.
I also want to thank the people who made this event possible:
- David Lancaster, President of the Australian and New Zealand Optical Society
- Chairs: Warwick Bowen, Claude Aguergaray and Stéphane Coen
- And of course, the organising committee and sponsors.
Just four months ago, in August, I joined Fred and many of you at a quantum event at Parliament.
At the event, I shared my progress in delivering the most significant reform to New Zealand’s science and technology system in more than 30 years.
And I’m happy to have this opportunity to update you today, as much has happened since then.
New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology
In July, the Prime Minister and I announced the establishment of the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology – a new Public Research Organisation with a single, overarching purpose: to accelerate our country’s economic growth by investing in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum.
These technologies have the potential to drive New Zealand’s future growth and prosperity, and to transform science, and our economy and society, as we know it.
Platform 1: Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies
The Institute’s first research platform – a $71 million investment in Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies, hosted by the Paihau–Robinson Research Institute in Wellington – was announced in May.
This initiative builds on New Zealand’s world-leading expertise in superconductors, magnets, and advanced materials, and will ensure we remain at the forefront of cutting-edge research and innovation.
Platform 2: Artificial Intelligence
Just eight weeks ago, I announced the Institute’s second research platform – focused on artificial intelligence.
This initiative will support a single, visionary proposal with a seven-year, $70 million investment to push the boundaries of AI research and drive the creation of new high-tech industries that will further grow New Zealand’s economy.
The first round of concept proposals closed recently with more than 100 applications, and the review panel met yesterday to agree on their final recommendations. We will share further details soon, and I look forward to the advancements this will bring.
Platform 3: Quantum
Today, I have announced a $1.35 million discovery phase to explore the development of a national quantum technologies platform. This activity will be led by the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology and will have a focus on commercialisation opportunities.
The discovery phase is about understanding how quantum technologies can unlock new opportunities for New Zealand – driving innovation, creating high-value jobs, attracting global partnerships, and boosting our economy.
This new investment builds on the momentum from the Dodd-Walls Centre and the Quantum Technologies Aotearoa program.
It follows my announcement of government support for three joint research projects between New Zealand and Korean researchers aimed at making quantum communication practical and secure over long distances.
In aggregate, the government’s contribution to quantum related activities includes:
- the Dodd-Walls Centre of Research Excellence,
- the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Technology,
- the Robinson Research Institute,
- Seven active Endeavour Fund research grants,
- Seven active Marsden Fund research grants,
- Three Catalyst Fund grants for research partnerships with Korea, and
- seed-funding for a potential commercialisation-focused research platform at the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology.
Through this new investment, the Institute for Advanced Technology will assess our domestic quantum capabilities and explore both domestic and international opportunities for commercialisation.
The goal is to determine whether, and how, further investment could accelerate cutting-edge research and unlock commercial potential.
I invite you to engage with my officials as they undertake this discovery process. Together, we can ensure New Zealand plays an important role in the global quantum ecosystem.
New Zealand’s Photonics and Optics industry
Before I close, I want to acknowledge the extraordinary strength of the photonics and optics sector across New Zealand and Australia.
Tonight, we have representatives from more than 24 leading research institutions – a clear demonstration of the depth of expertise and collaboration in our region.
This sector is not just academic – it’s about impact. Photonics and optics underpin technologies that drive innovation in healthcare, communications, manufacturing, and energy.
They enable breakthroughs that improve lives, create high-value jobs, and contribute significantly to our economies.
To conclude, New Zealand is proud to stand alongside Australia in advancing this frontier.
Together, we have the talent, the infrastructure, and the collaborative spirit to deliver international excellence and world-class science impact.
