National science agency, CSIRO, is offering a free online program dubbed “Innovate to Grow” aimed at helping small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the mining and mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) sector.
Eligible SMEs that are in the early stages of engaging in research and development (R&D) or pursuing a new idea in the sector can apply to the program.
Participants in this 10-week online program are guided as they assess their technical or business difficulties, look at R&D opportunities, and create concrete business and funding plans by seasoned researchers and innovation professionals.
Innovate to Grow, according to Monika Szabo, SME Collaboration Manager for CSIRO, was created to assist SMEs in understanding how to engage in R&D by demonstrating to them how to access funding, mentoring, and a highly connected network through research organisations and their own sector.
“The Innovate to Grow program is aimed at Australian companies with less than 200 employees, and currently is offered at no cost to participants,” Dr Szabo said.
She added that by doing this, they hope to remove some of the barriers that smaller businesses encounter when they have an idea they want to pursue.
“At the completion of the program participants will have received assistance in defining their goals, developing a business case for R&D from a university or CSIRO, and even prepare a funding proposal,” Dr Szabo added.
SMEs, along with their professional networks, will also receive a boost as they will connect with peers in their cohort, sector-specific mentors, according to Dr Szabo.
API Management, which manages Australian Premium Iron Joint Venture, was one company that went through the Innovate to Grow program in 2021.
Principal Scientist at API Management, Alan Ooi, stated it was a way to refresh their current expertise of engaging with research organisations, accessible funding options, and how to prepare for collaborations with the CSIRO or other universities.
CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Mining/METS program commences Monday, 9 March, and is available for 20-25 SMEs. Applications will close on 13 February.
