The proposed Alexandra-based satellite programme is nearing blastoff.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment announced yesterday the proposal for the Centre for Space Science Technology (CSST) made the shortlist of its $25 million Regional Research Institutes scheme along with two other applications.
The scheme supports research outside the main centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
A spokeswoman for Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce said the ministry anticipated two or even all three of the proposals would receive funding.
Twenty-four proposals from 16 locations were considered.
It was possible there would be another round of funding, she said.
The CCST proposal is led by Alexandra-based research company Bodeker Scientific and requested $15 million in funding.
It would be based in Alexandra and have offices in Dunedin, New Plymouth and Lincoln.
The centre would research irrigation and agriculture, snow and ice, oceans and atmosphere, regional planning and hazard management, data telemetry and forestry.
It would create about 70 to 80 jobs, half of which would be in Alexandra.
It would mean a yearly boost of about $2.8 million to $3.6 million for the Alexandra economy in its first three years. Bodeker Scientific director Greg Bodeker could not be reached yesterday as he was overseas.
Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper said he was ‘‘over the moon'' at the news.
‘‘I give credit to the guys who are doing it. The closer we get, the more we've got our fingers crossed.''
The shortlist has set up an Otago-Southland showdown with proposal Earth+Vantage, led by Venture Southland, also making the cut. It would also use satellite technology, but would focus on the primary industry sector.
The other shortlisted proposal was for a Marlborough-based New Zealand Institute of Viticulture and Oenology, led by New Zealand Winegrowers.
The ministry will help to create business cases for the three applications and the Cabinet will make its final decision later this year.
