CSIRO says the free 10-week online programme is specifically designed to assist Australian SMEs operating in critical sectors advance their innovative technologies, solutions and ideas through research and development (R&D).
CSIRO noted that participants will collaborate with a mentor from CSIRO or a university to address technical and business challenges, explore their R&D opportunities, learn tips for partnering with research organisations, and develop strong funding applications. Participants may also be eligible for dollar-matched R&D funding through the CSIRO Kick-Start programme.
The programme has supported more than 500 companies to date.
The 10-week programme involves webinars and a half-day virtual workshop with CSIRO industry and research experts and relevant industry SMEs. Key topics include trends within relevant sub-sectors, panel discussion with collaborating SMEs, and current funding opportunities for R&D.
Participants also take part in a self-paced online innovation programme to develop and test their research ideas and business cases, with two to three hours of time commitment required each week.
Programme participants must be an Australian registered and operating business; classified as a small to medium-sized business (less than 200 employees); either currently, or in the early stages of, exploring R&D opportunities; and operating in one of the below sub-sectors.
AusBiotech-commissioned research revealed Australia is home to more than 1,427 life science companies, ranging from small start-ups to multinational pharmaceutical companies. Almost 80 percent of the industry is comprised of small and medium sized companies (SMEs), of which the majority are pre-revenue and in the process of commercialisation or translation of research, highlighting why programmes such as this are important tools for supporting commercialisation.
Applications close on Sunday 18 February and places are limited. Visit Innovate to Grow to learn more and apply. The program commences 14 March 2024.
