Health Research Council of New Zealand

2025 Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Request for Proposals

The Health Research Council of New Zealand has established a funding initiative to invest in health research centered on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a potentially transformative technology to support delivery of timely access to quality healthcare for New Zealanders.

Through this RFP, the HRC is seeking to fund investigator-led research that will directly address priorities identified in the Government Policy Statement on Health 2024 – 2027. Proposals must clearly identify the health need or healthcare area where AI can be leveraged safely and ethically to improve health outcomes in the New Zealand health system.

The HRC encourages applicants to consider a collaborative approach when developing their proposals, including a range of approaches and disciplines in the research team to ensure effective knowledge transfer and uptake. Proposals are invited from all health research disciplines. The proposed research must demonstrate strong collaboration with health system policy and decision makers, and a clear link to improving the provision of healthcare within the New Zealand health system.

A total funding pool of $5 million (exclusive of GST) is available. We expect to fund a range of projects across three grant tiers: small projects up to $100,000 ex GST over a term of 6 to 12 months; medium projects up to $400,000 ex GST over a term of 12 to 18 months; and large projects up to $700,000 ex GST over a term of 18 to 24 months. Funding will be available for an immediate start for successful applicants from August 2025.

To apply, you’ll need to ensure that you have an up-to-date profile on HRC Gateway (gateway.hrc.govt.nz). You can then read the eligibility criteria, application guidelines and submit a full application online via HRC Gateway.