More about us
Who are we?
Return On Science is one of three programmes stewarded by The Lighthouse , which is dedicated to illuminating commercialisation pathways across Aotearoa New Zealand’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
A foundation partner in the government’s Commercialisation Partner Network (CPN), Return On Science plays a national role in increasing commercial outcomes from publicly funded research. Established by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the CPN strengthens New Zealand’s ability to turn research into real-world impact by linking research organisations, investors, and commercialisation experts.
Return On Science also has access to the PreSeed Accelerator Fund (PSAF), which provides early-stage capital to help promising discoveries reach the market. Together with the CPN, PSAF ensures that world-class research can move from the lab to commercial success; creating new ventures, products, and industries that benefit Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy and society.
Return On Science connects researchers and innovators with leading commercialisation expertise, national and international networks, and strategic funding pathways. Through its domain-specific Investment Committees, the programme acts as a catalyst for research transformation and entrepreneurial growth.
We are on a mission to increase both the number and quality of successful ventures emerging from Aotearoa New Zealand’s research and development investment - helping turn great ideas into measurable impact.
