Australia’s national science agency CSIRO is inviting start-ups and SMEs looking to drive innovation in digital health and medical technologies to apply for its upcoming Innovate to Grow program.
The free 10-week online program is specifically designed to assist Australian SMEs operating in critical sectors advance their innovative technologies, solutions and ideas through research and development (R&D).
Professor Susie Nilsson, Biomedical Manufacturing Research Director at CSIRO, underscored the significance of fostering meaningful collaboration between research organisations and SMEs.
“Developing a sustainable product in the digital health and medical technology sectors is a challenging and often underestimated process,” Professor Nilsson said. “The daunting task of navigating stringent testing and product development processes can be particularly overwhelming for SMEs.
“Innovate to Grow presents a unique opportunity for businesses to gain valuable insights from industry experts about how research and development collaboration can help take their technology to the next level,” she added. “In particular, the way in which businesses can advance from a research idea to a tangible R&D opportunity.”
Program participants will collaborate with a mentor from CSIRO or a university to address technical and business challenges, while exploring R&D opportunities, gaining insight into partnering with research organisations and crafting compelling R&D funding applications.
Liz Crompton, SME Connect Program Advisor, highlighted the impact of Innovate to Grow since the program’s inception.
“To date, Innovate to Grow has equipped over 500 businesses with the knowledge and tools to advance their ideas, with many program alumni initiating R&D projects with research organisations like CSIRO within 12 months of completing the program,” Crompton said.
The program commences 14 March 2024 and is available for a limited number of SMEs in the therapeutics and care; health system analytics; and biomedical informatics and data modelling subsectors in digtal health, as well as in the diagnostics, biosensors, and biomedical devices; drug discovery; and vaccines and biologic therapeutics subsectors in medical technology. Applications will close on Sunday 18 February 2024.
