Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has announced the launch of the Innovate to Grow program, a free 10-week online program designed to help SMEs with their projects or ideas related to cybersecurity, digital technologies, or adjacent industries.
Under the program, eligible SMEs will be able to gain knowledge and resources, as well as receive mentorship on how to further develop their projects or ideas. Once they complete the program, the participants may be able to access continued support through CSIRO, being connected to national research expertise and/or dollar-matched R&D funding to further develop their projects.
CSIRO’s Data61 Research Director for Software and Computational Systems Dr Liming Zhu said an Innovate to Grow program focused on cyber security and digital technology could not be more timely.
“The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models like ChatGPT are rapidly transforming the digital and cyber innovation landscape.,” Dr Zhu said. “Whether they’re creating knowledge-intensive products or seeking to add innovative features to interact with customers, companies can tap into new growth opportunities thanks to the increasing power of generative AI.”
However, Zhu also warned that the rapid development and escalation of these applications comes with increased cyber risks and risks in digital trust, and that preparation is the key to mitigating these risks.
“This is a new territory, which is still evolving,” he said. “Our aim with programs like this is to assist companies who are building solutions to these problems.”
CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow Program Coordinator, Michelle Armistead, urged SMEs to consider taking the opportunity to connect with like-minded mentors and companies to learn and grow.
“We know the critical importance Australia’s SMEs have in the growth and resilience of our economy, and likewise the large role they will play in growing these emerging industries of cyber and digital tech,” Armistead said. “One of the most valuable pieces of feedback we’ve had from participants in our previous cohorts is the deep value they have gained in working through the self-paced deliverables while connecting with our expert advisors.”
The program commences on 8 June and will accept 20-25 SME participants. SMEs that wish to join the program may submit xpressions of interest to participate until 15 May. The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund.
