A bill to establish a new high-tech headquarters for innovative New Zealand businesses has passed its first reading in Parliament.
The Advanced Technology Institute will connect firms with innovation and business development expertise.
Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce says the purpose of the institute is to help get New Zealand's best ideas out of the lab and into the marketplace faster.
He says it will be a one stop shop to help high-tech firms become more competitive.
Meanwhile, Mr Joyce travelled to the US on Sunday on a visit to to promote bilateral science research.
The minister will meet President Barack Obama's advisor for science and technology Dr John Holdren, as well as the Association of International Educators.
He is visiting Washington DC and San Francisco and will meet with New Zealand companies operating in America.
