CSIRO has partnered with TRaCE to offer a free 10-week online program aimed at helping small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) advance their clean energy research and development (R&D) initiatives.
CSIRO is inviting Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on clean energy solutions to apply for the Innovate to Grow: Clean Energy program. This initiative is part of CSIRO's ongoing effort to support early-stage R&D and planning in the clean energy sector, which has already helped over 600 SMEs since its launch in 2020.
In collaboration with Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), CSIRO's latest program provides SMEs with access to expert facilitators, experienced researchers, and self-paced learning modules to guide them through technical or business challenges in their clean energy innovations. The program is designed to foster innovation, de-risk investments, and assist in developing actionable R&D plans, ultimately helping SMEs grow and commercialize their solutions.
Professor Emmanuel Mastio, Executive Director of TRaCE, emphasized the importance of SMEs, scaleups, and startups in building Australia's clean energy economy. "We need greater support for SMEs to commercialize innovations and accelerate investment," he said. "This partnership with CSIRO provides critical support in helping Australia achieve Net Zero and emissions reduction goals."
CSIRO’s Director of Energy, Dr. Dietmar Tourbier, highlighted Australia's potential as a global leader in clean energy. "Australia has the critical energy minerals needed to power the clean energy transition," he said. "We want to help Australia become the lowest cost producer of clean energy in the OECD."
The program is open to SMEs working in areas such as energy storage, electrification, energy modelling, carbon management, renewable energy, sustainable fuels, and more. Fionna Millikan, Head of Business Development at Green Gravity, shared her positive experience with the 2023 Innovate to Grow: Energy program. "The program was practical and hands-on. It helped us generate new opportunities and connect with research partners," she said.
Applications for the Innovate to Grow: Clean Energy program close on 23 June 2024.
For more details and to apply, visit Innovate to Grow: Clean Energy.