Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has opened its Innovate to Grow program to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) aiming to advance their innovative ideas in food technology and innovation.
The program, led by experienced researchers, is designed to help participants tackle technical and business challenges, explore research and development (R&D) opportunities, and develop actionable business and funding plans for their R&D concepts.
Dr Michelle Colgrave, CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food Deputy Director Impact, emphasised the critical role SMEs play in maintaining and growing Australia’s reputation as a global leader in food technology.
“We can combine innovations in fermentation with ‘customer driven’ preferences to deliver reduced sugar beverages or no and low alcohol wines,” Dr Colgrave said.
“To match our growing population, changing climates, and evolving consumer preferences, there’s an increasing need to diversify and develop new food and beverages that will be sustainable into the future.”
“We are well-positioned to do that in Australia with our access to the latest technologies and brightest minds. SMEs will be an important part of that, driving innovation right along the supply chain while delivering sustainable outcomes for the future of our food manufacturing,” Dr Colgrave added.
Since its inception in 2020, Innovate to Grow has assisted more than 600 early-stage R&D companies in accessing the necessary knowledge and tools to progress their ideas.
One such participant, Joshua Poke from the Tasmanian Oyster Company, shared his positive experience with the program.
“Innovate to Grow really focused me on what I needed to concentrate on for growing our business in the next 12 months,” Poke said.
“It also provided me with lots of practical experiences from other SMEs that I learned from.”
The Innovate to Grow: Food Innovation program is open to SMEs operating in various sub-sectors, including:
- Beverage manufacturing
- Food production
- Traditional and complementary proteins
- Bio-manufacturing, including precision fermentation
- Sustainable processing
- Value-adding processes
- Other related areas
Applications for the program close on 25 August 2024.
Interested SMEs can learn more and apply for the Innovate to Grow: Food Innovation program or explore additional programs tailored for SMEs by visiting CSIRO’s official website.
