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Research, Science & Technology

Cawthron Aquaculture Park, Glenduan

Nelson Tasman’s burgeoning Research, Science and Technology sector offers transformative growth opportunities for the local economy.

Scientific research, led by Cawthron Institute (New Zealand’s largest independent scientific organisation), alongside an increasing array of smaller science-based businesses, is creating new volumes of economic activity – particularly in and around the Blue Economy.

The region’s research strength was recognised by the government through the Provincial Growth Fund supporting the establishment of Cawthron’s National Algae Centre - investigating algae as a food and medicine supplement including high-value bioactive compounds Nelson also hosts a division of Crown Research Institute Plant & Food Research, and the Nelson Artificial Intelligence Institute.

At a glance

Statistics as at 2023.

$157m

GDP

2%

Share of regional GDP

35%

GDP growth since 2019

1,245 jobs

Employment

2%

Share of regional employment

9%

Employment growth since 2019

Building a better future for Aotearoa New Zealand

Cawthron Institute attracts scientists from all over the world, giving us the highest number of scientists per capita of any New Zealand city.

Hear from Cawthron Institute's Chief Executive, Volker Kuntzsch, on how his team are working to build a better future for Aotearoa New Zealand by delivering science that supports healthy ecosystems, a prosperous blue economy and thriving people and communities.

 

Leading Companies

Nelson Tasman is the location of many key stakeholders in Research, Science & Technology resulting in a wide and deep network of relationships, processes and systems that drive innovation and industry growth.