Australia’s national science agency CSIRO is inviting SMEs working on advanced manufacturing solutions to apply for this year’s edition of its Innovate to Grow program.
Launched in 2020, Innovate to Grow is a self-paced, 10-week, online program designed to help SMEs embarking on early-stage R&D or those venturing into new solutions within advanced manufacturing. in transforming their ideas into R&D opportunities. To date, it has helped over 500 SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to progress their research.
The launch comes on the back of the CSIRO announcing a $20 million investment to provide SMEs with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth. The funding will support an additional 600 SMEs through its Innovate to Grow program, kicking off with its Advanced Manufacturing cohort.
CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing, Marcus Zipper, explained how CSIRO’s unique position in the research ecosystem drives innovation to advance Australian manufacturing.
“Advanced manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia,” Zipper said. “It’s an exciting area of research and development for CSIRO, and we work collaboratively to connect SMEs with new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and environmental outcomes while driving prosperity across the manufacturing sector.
“We translate research into products and processes that businesses want to adopt because what we’ve created is economically viable, more efficient and effective, and sustainable,” Zipper added.
Successful program participants will gain access to expert facilitators and experienced researchers who will guide participants on how to formulate a research question, assess its impact, and seek out strategic partnerships. Additionally, they will acquire skills in developing a compelling R&D business case and funding proposal.
Connop Metal Founder, Murray Connop, a 2022 Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing program participant, has made headlines for developing a world-first method of analysing the chemical compositions of PVC to make it recyclable – right here in Australia. Connop shared that CSIRO’s program provided invaluable connections to industry experts.
“Thanks to the Innovate to Grow program, I gained the vital contacts and support needed to determine the feasibility of my project,” Connop said. “I wholeheartedly recommend this program to fellow start-ups and small businesses in advanced manufacturing. The invaluable connection to industry experts provided by this program has played a significant role in the success of my project.”
The Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing program is open to SMEs working in robotics, additive manufacturing, advanced materials and processes, mechatronics design and engineering, energy storage and battery technology, sensing and detecting technologies, natural products manufacturing and biomedical manufacturing.
Applications for this year’s program are open until 12 May 2024.
