The Antarctic Research Institute (NZARI) says it has received far more applications for its first release of funds than it expected.
The private-public partnership was established last year because of fears Antarctic science wasn't getting the funding it required.
Institute director Professor Gary Wilson says 30 proposals for funding have been received from 10 institutes.
The funding is open to short-term projects, of up to one year in duration, costing up to $100,000.
The NZARI has said it is focusing its efforts on the impacts of a changing global climate on Antarctica, its physical and ecological systems, and how this will influence New Zealand, its primary economy and global systems.
The Institute will announce the winners of the funding next month.
