A bill to establish the business-focused Advanced Technology Institute passed its second reading in the New Zealand parliament on 8 November.
The purpose of the institute, announced in July, is to help hi-tech firms connect with innovation expertise and facilities across the country.
“[ATI] will focus on industries with high growth potential such as food and beverage manufacturing, agri-technologies, digital technologies, health technologies, therapeutics, and high-value wood products,” said science minister Steven Joyce.
The government has allocated AU$166 million over four years for the ATI, which aims to be operational by December.