Terms & Conditions


These terms & conditions (the “Terms”) govern your entry into the Rural Innovation Lab Innovation Project application process 2019 (the “Process”). By submitting an application or idea in any form to the Rural Innovation Lab (RIL) you agree to these Terms.

Eligibility to apply

An application may be made by any individual or organisation from within New Zealand, and must include:

  1. The name and contact details of those applying;

  2. All other information requested on the application form; and

  3. Be submitted to the RIL on or before midnight on 15th July 2019.

Status of innovation

We are interested in innovations at all stages. It doesn’t matter whether you have an initial idea, are at the research or development stage, have a working prototype or are already in the market, you’re still eligible to apply.

Selection of innovation projects

An independent assessment panel will review the applications received. Short-listed applicants will be asked to present their project to the Independent Assessment Panel for selection. Three projects will be selected to be supported by the RIL.

Multiple selection criteria will be used to select the three Innovation Projects, including:

  • Solving a real problem for farmers &/or growers

  • Enhancing cultural &/or social capital

  • Scalable for quick use

  • Innovative & sustainable

  • Engaging with & creating outcomes for Maori

Intellectual property surrounding innovations 

To the extent that you own any intellectual property rights around the innovation included in your application, those rights will remain your property. Nothing in these Terms grants us any interest in those (other than to the extent necessary for making an assessment in accordance with these Terms).

If the innovation in your application involves the use of any third-party intellectual property, this must be disclosed in your application.

The RIL is committed to ensuring that all intellectual property contributors that arise from application are recognised.

Confidentiality surrounding innovations

The RIL recognises the sensitivity of the information you provide and will take care in handling confidential matters. The RIL will ensure that it operates in a way that preserves the privacy of inventors, the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information and protects any potential value in intellectual property arising from an innovation.

Obligations of confidentiality will not apply in relation to information which:

  1. Is or becomes publicly known;

  2. Is already known to us at the time of disclosure; or

  3. Is independently acquired or developed by us or any third party without the benefit of use of your information.

The RIL may retain for its records copies of all information you provide in relation to the application.

Delivery of innovation projects

If your innovation project is selected to be supported by the RIL, you will:

  • Deliver the project over a minimum of three months between August and November 2019;

  • Deliver the project on-farm, or otherwise have a link to farmers or growers in the Horizons region (Horowhenua, Manawatu, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Rangitikei, Ruapehu or Tararua Districts);

  • Provide a Project Manager who will be the key contact person for any technical or other issues throughout the duration of the project;

  • Provide information to the RIL relating to progress and outcomes over the duration of the project, including for social media and communications purposes and reporting to MBIE and RIL collaborators; and

  • Participate in at least one of the four RIL digital boot camps to provide an update on the project and technology involved, between June and September 2019.

Publicity around innovation projects

By applying you consent to the RIL using your name and picture(s) for advertising and publicity purposes without further compensation.

Reporting on innovation projects

If your innovation project is selected to be supported by the RIL, you agree to provide information relating to the outcomes of your project up to 12 months after the completion of your project.

Liability of the RIL

You agree that under no circumstances will the RIL or any of its collaborators be liable to you for any cost, expense, loss or other claim of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your application to or otherwise in connection with the Process.