Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, invites SMEs working across health innovation to apply for its next Innovate to Grow program round – One Health.
The free eight-week online program supports SMEs to assess whether an early-stage idea has research and development (R&D) potential and then helps build a clear plan for taking it forward.
Michelle Armistead, Innovate to Grow Program Manager at CSIRO, said the program had a specific role to play for businesses at the early stages of an idea.
“Innovation in health doesn’t happen in silos. Some of the most important work is happening at the points where people, animal and environmental health intersect – and the SMEs driving that work often need help turning a strong idea into a research and development plan they can act on. Innovate to Grow is built for exactly that moment,” Ms Armistead said.
“Over eight weeks, participants test and refine their concept, develop a viable R&D plan and connect with the expertise they need to take informed next steps. We’ve now worked with more than 800 SMEs across Australia, and we’re looking forward to bringing that experience to this next group.”
Shad Diagnostics is a biotechnology startup developing rapid, non-invasive diagnostic tools for the early detection of neurological and vascular disorders. Its technology combines saliva-based biosensors and wearable devices to translate neuroscience research into point-of-care diagnostics.
The company participated in Innovate to Grow in August 2025 to refine its concept, develop a working prototype and strengthen its R&D capabilities ahead of commercialisation.
Founder of Shad Diagnostics, Professor Kaneez-Fatima-Shad, said: “CSIRO’s program offered a mix of scientific guidance, industry mentorship, and commercialisation expertise – precisely what we needed to accelerate the development of our diagnostic.”
CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: One Health program is open to Australian SMEs developing or supplying solutions in the following sub-sectors:
- Biosecurity: people and animal health
- Biosecurity: plant and environmental health
- Animal disease diagnostics
- Biotherapeutics: biomedical manufacturing and medical devices
- Developing and delivering complex therapeutics
- Digital and AI solutions for health care
- Supportive equipment including robotics
- Other ideas related to program sector
Applications are now open and close on 12 July 2026. The program will commence later in the year.
