Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has announced the return of its Innovate to Grow: Agrifood program, aimed at supporting small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Western Australia to advance through innovation.
The free, eight-week online program is delivered with the support of the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the agency said in a news release.
Michelle Armistead, Innovate to Grow Program Manager at CSIRO, said the initiative provides businesses with access to research expertise to drive innovation in the state’s diverse agricultural sector.
“This program opens doors for local businesses to work with researchers in a way that’s straightforward and practical,” Armistead said.
“We help businesses turn their innovative ideas into real projects that can solve their everyday challenges. Our goal is to make the research world accessible so that even small businesses can partner with experts to bring their innovations to life.”
The program serves as a bridge between innovative SMEs and research organisations, assisting businesses in identifying commercial research and development opportunities and navigating the complexities of the research landscape.
DPIRD Investment Services Manager, Peter May, said the initiative aligns with the department’s broader strategy to strengthen agrifood innovation across both regional and metropolitan areas of WA.
“This initiative directly addresses the needs of agrifood businesses that may not otherwise have access to advanced research capabilities,” May said.
“The program aligns with our goal to enhance the competitiveness of WA’s primary producers and food manufacturers, helping them adopt new technologies and practices that drive productivity and open new market opportunities.”
One of the past participants, Jo Barrett from the Little Picket restaurant, shared her experience with the Innovate to Grow program.
“The program really clarified what I needed to do to progress with my idea,” Barrett said. “I thought I was in a good position before Innovate to Grow, but I soon realised I didn’t know what I didn’t know! I’m so grateful for this opportunity—it has been invaluable. I’ve come away feeling more confident and excited.”
The program is open to SMEs operating in a range of agrifood sub-sectors, including meat and meat product manufacturing, agriculture and fishing support services, aquaculture, livestock, beverage manufacturing, food product manufacturing, alternative proteins, and agritech.
Applications for the Innovate to Grow: Agrifood – WA program close on 20 April 2025. The initiative is supported by DPIRD WA.
