The Australian national science agency, CSIRO, is inviting Queensland-based small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and researchers to take part in its new Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program.
Funded by the Queensland Government, the RUIC program seeks to strengthen collaboration between SMEs and regional universities. These include James Cook University, Central Queensland University, University of Southern Queensland, and University of the Sunshine Coast.
Offerings
Eligible SMEs can access free research and development (R&D) training, facilitation services, up to $50,000 in dollar-matched funding for projects, and regional networking events.
“With a dispersed population and diverse climates, Queensland is a fantastic base for innovation,” said Dr George Feast, Deputy Director of CSIRO’s SME Connect team. “The RUIC program is designed to boost potential by providing SMEs with the skills and resources to turn their ideas into impactful solutions at all stages of their innovation journey.”
Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said that the program would help SMEs commercialise research by collaborating with universities, leveraging diverse skill sets and fostering innovative thinking.
Dr Anna Daniel, RUIC Program Facilitator, urged SMEs to take advantage of the program offerings, saying, “This is an excellent opportunity for businesses in the early stages of the R&D process to refine their research question with guidance from our program facilitators. For those more advanced with their ideas, there is also the opportunity to access up to $50,000 in dollar-matched funding to support collaborative projects with one of our world-class regional university partners.”
Free R&D training programs
RUIC will kick off with a free eight-week R&D training program for SMEs working on manufacturing solutions in Queensland, particularly in the Manufactured materials and processes, Energy and batteries, Digital manufacturing and mechatronics, Food and beverage manufacturing, Industrial manufacturing, Biomedical manufacturing, and Robotics subsectors.
Applications are open for SMEs interested in taking part in this program and other initiatives under the RUIC.
For those outside of Queensland, the CSIRO also operates a yearly Innovate to Grow program to help SMEs embarking on early-stage R&D.
