The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency, announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at fostering collaboration between Queensland’s small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and regional universities.
The Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, funded by the Queensland Government, seeks to transform scientific research into economic benefits for the state’s regional communities, CSIRO said in a news release.
The RUIC program offers SMEs a range of benefits, including free research and development (R&D) training, facilitation services, up to $50,000 in dollar-matched funding for collaborative projects, and opportunities to participate in regional networking events.
Dr George Feast, deputy director of CSIRO’s SME Connect team, emphasised the program’s goal of fostering innovation in Queensland’s diverse regions.
“With a dispersed population and diverse climates, Queensland is a fantastic base for innovation,” Dr Feast said.
“The RUIC program is designed to boost potential by providing SMEs with the skills and resources they need to turn their ideas into impactful solutions at all stages of their innovation journey.”
Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, highlighted the critical role of universities in the success of this initiative.
“Universities play a significant role in regional innovation ecosystems, providing employment, education, and training opportunities,” Professor Wilson said.
“By empowering regional communities to access the latest advances in science, we can deliver better, stronger research outcomes for all Queenslanders.”
Dr Anna Daniel, RUIC Program Facilitator, encouraged SMEs to take full advantage of the program’s offerings, including an eight-week free R&D training course for businesses focusing on manufacturing solutions.
“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses in the early stages of the R&D process to refine their research questions with guidance from our program facilitators,” Dr Daniel said.
“For those more advanced with their ideas, there is also the opportunity to access up to $50,000 in dollar-matched funding for collaborative projects with our world-class regional university partners.”
The program’s four university partners include James Cook University, Central Queensland University, University of Southern Queensland, and University of the Sunshine Coast.
Expressions of interest for the RUIC program, as well as applications for the eight-week R&D training course, are now open for SMEs working in a variety of manufacturing sub-sectors, including digital manufacturing, robotics, biomedical manufacturing, and more.
For more information on the RUIC program and to apply, visit the CSIRO website.
