The new Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) will be up and running by December 1 with bases in Auckland, the Hutt Valley and Christchurch, the Government says.
It announced the ATI in the May budget with a $166 million funding allocation over four years.
Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce released details today, saying it would become New Zealand's "high-tech HQ".
"Its main purpose is to help get our best, most innovative ideas out of the lab and into the marketplace more quickly," he said.
"It will help high-tech firms become more competitive by better connecting them with innovation expertise and facilities that exist within the ATI and across Crown Research Institutes, universities, polytechs and other research organisations."
Mr Joyce says the ATI will focus on industries with significant growth potential, like food and beverage manufacturing, agricultural and digital technology, therapeutics manufacturing and high value wood products.
He says an establishment board will soon be set up with responsibility for finding locations and staff, and having the ATI operational by December 1.
Mr Joyce made the announcements at a function in Auckland, with Prime Minister John Key.
NZN