CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, is inviting expressions of interest for its free eight-week ‘Innovate to Grow: Queensland’ program, designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
The initiative, which is part of the Queensland Government-funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, aims to help businesses across various sectors turn innovative ideas into research-ready projects.
The program provides SMEs with guidance on developing and implementing research and development (R&D) strategies, with an emphasis on collaborating with regional universities.
Professor Kerrie Wilson, Queensland Chief Scientist, highlighted the value of the program, stating that it equips businesses with the tools needed to build partnerships with regional universities and commercialise their innovations, thereby fostering economic growth.
Over one-third of the 650 participants in CSIRO’s previous Innovate to Grow program were from regional Australia, underscoring strong engagement from businesses outside major metropolitan areas.
Dr Brendan Kidd, RUIC Program Facilitator, noted that the program addresses a significant gap in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem.
“One of the biggest challenges for SMEs is knowing how to effectively engage with the research sector,” DR Kidd said. He added that CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program helps businesses navigate R&D, from understanding research language to identifying appropriate research partners and securing funding opportunities.
James Lister, CEO of LP One, a company developing sustainable bio-based alternatives to conventional materials, shared his experience with the program.
“The Innovate to Grow program was a great introduction at the early stages of our business,” Lister said.
“The staged process for deliverables and assistance from mentors has been great, helping us progress from initial concept to developing potential research collaborations.”
Innovate to Grow is now open to Queensland-based SMEs working on innovative solutions in sectors including agriculture, food, digital technology, AI, environmental sciences, health, biomedical sciences, Indigenous science, manufacturing, mining, renewables, space and defence, and transport.
The program is delivered in partnership with James Cook University, Central Queensland University, University of Southern Queensland, and University of the Sunshine Coast.
Applications are now open for businesses looking to take part in this opportunity.
