Australia's renowned science agency, CSIRO, is inviting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in advanced manufacturing solutions to participate in a self-paced, 10-week online program. The initiative aims to help them turn concepts into research and development (R&D) opportunities.
Launched in 2020, the Innovate to Grow program has supported more than 500 SMEs in four years, providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to advance their research efforts. More recently, CSIRO announced a $20 million investment to improve SMEs' access to key R&D opportunities, with a focus on accelerating their growth.
This funding will enable an additional 600 SMEs to participate in the Innovate to Grow program, starting with the Advanced Manufacturing cohort. CSIRO's Director of Manufacturing, Marcus Zipper, emphasises the agency's key role in supporting innovation in Australia's manufacturing sector.
"Advanced manufacturing is a key sector that supports more than 800,000 jobs across Australia," Dr Zipper says. "It represents a vibrant area for research and development at CSIRO, where we are working together to introduce SMEs to new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, safety and environmental sustainability, thereby driving prosperity across the manufacturing sector."
The Innovate to Grow program is aimed at companies initiating early-stage R&D or exploring innovative solutions in advanced manufacturing. Participants will benefit from access to expert facilitators and experienced researchers who will guide them through the process of formulating impactful research questions, assessing their impact and forging strategic partnerships. They will also gain skills in developing compelling R&D business cases and funding proposals.
Murray Connop, founder of Connop Metal and a participant in the 2022 Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing programme, has been recognised for developing a pioneering method of analysing the chemical composition of PVC for recyclability in Australia.
Reflecting on his experience, Mr Connop praises the program for providing invaluable industry connections. "Thanks to the Innovate to Grow programme, I was able to make key contacts and receive essential support to assess the feasibility of my project," he says. "I would wholeheartedly recommend the programme to other start-ups and small businesses in the advanced manufacturing sector. The programme's industry connections have been instrumental in the success of my project".
Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing targets SMEs operating in a range of sub-sectors, including
- Robotics
- Additive manufacturing
- Advanced materials and processes
- Mechatronics design and engineering
- Energy Storage and Battery Technology
- Sensing and Detection Technologies
- Natural products manufacturing
- Biomedical manufacturing
For more information and to apply for the Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing program or explore other SME programs, visit the CSIRO website.