The call for 2026 funding round applications will be announced in due course.
Registering as an applicant
Start by confirming your organisation or team meets the eligibility criteria for funding.
Registering as an applicant is the first step in applying for research funding. Successful applicants are then given access to an online form to submit a project proposal.
Applicant registration will be available here once the call for applications is announced.
Already registered?
If you have already registered your interest with BRANZ in previous funding rounds, you do not need to repeat this step. You will automatically be sent a link to submit a project proposal, typically in July.
Making a submission
Once you have successfully registered as an applicant by meeting the criteria, you will be sent an email invitation to make your submission by filling in an online form.
This is a two-step process. First, you submit a project concept, and if it is accepted, you will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Step 1: Submit a project concept
A project concept is a high-level overview of your research idea, including:
- the building system problem you aim to address
- expected outcomes and the impact for the sector
- your research approach, including any collaborators or stakeholders you will engage with
- indicative timeframes, key risks and how you will manage them
- how your project aligns with the use of Building Research Levy funds.
A subject matter expert panel reviews your project concept against the funding priorities and criteria.
Step 2: Submit a full proposal
If your concept is shortlisted, you’ll be invited to submit a full proposal.
Full proposals are then assessed by the Research Investment Advisory Group using consistent investment criteria, focusing on sector benefit, deliverability, collaboration and impact. Recommendations are then provided to the BRANZ Inc. Board for final approval.
Assessment criteria
Strategic alignment
The research is aligned with objectives and associated investment signals outlined in the Research Investment Priorities 2025 and addresses relevant cross-cutting enablers from BRANZ’s Research Investment Strategy.
Impact and value of research
Research findings translate into actionable outputs and outcomes with defined benefits for the sector across Aotearoa New Zealand. There is clear evidence that the research has not been done before or does not duplicate efforts that could be adopted to the Aotearoa New Zealand context.
Research excellence
High-quality research fills important knowledge gaps, is well conducted, innovative, where applicable, and makes significant contributions to our industry.
Delivery confidence
The research team’s capability, capacity and access to research facilities and data needed to conduct the proposed research is evident.
Inclusivity
Where applicable, research is conducted in a transdisciplinary way, with diversity of perspectives, considering Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique culture and associated knowledge systems.
Partnering and co-funding
We seek partnerships with co-investors to maximise the benefit and impact of our collective research investment.
After proposal submission
Once the funding round closes, here’s what happens next:
- You’ll be notified of the outcome once Board decisions are complete.
- Successful applicants will move into the contract development phase.
- Unsuccessful applicants may receive high-level feedback where appropriate.
- Funding announcements will be made on the BRANZ website once contracts are sufficiently advanced.
Setting up your project
Contracting and project set-up
Before work begins, successful applicants:
- finalise funding agreements with BRANZ Inc.
- confirm scope, milestones, reporting and payment schedules
- establish governance and collaboration arrangements.
Project commencement
Most Levy-funded projects commence from April following the funding round, once contracts are executed. Projects are expected to work closely with BRANZ and the wider sector throughout delivery so that findings are translated into practical, usable outcomes.
Project delivery and impact
During delivery, projects may contribute to:
- technical guidance and industry tools
- research reports and sector resources
- workshops, webinars or dissemination activities.
This helps ensure Levy investment delivers tangible benefits that can be adopted across the building system, not just within individual projects.
Before you apply
Before you apply, read the key documents below to support you with your application:
Research Investment Priorities 2025
This is the authoritative document setting out the objectives and investment signals used to assess 2025 funding application. This document will be updated for the 2026 Funding Round.
Guidelines for applicants
(available once the call for funding applications is announced)
This resource offers comprehensive details about the application process and addresses common questions you might have.