CSIRO has opened applications for a new program to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop solutions in recycling and the circular economy. The eight-week online course, called Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy, is delivered with Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH).
The program guides SMEs through technical challenges and research opportunities. Participants create business and funding plans to bring their R&D ideas closer to real-world impact. Experienced researchers lead the program, offering practical knowledge and tools to support innovation.
Since 2020, CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program has supported more than 600 SMEs across sectors. Dr Deborah Lau, CSIRO’s Ending Plastic Waste Research Lead, said SMEs play a key role in creating circular pathways for plastics and other waste. “Only nine per cent of the 9.5 billion tonnes of plastic produced since 1950 is recycled each year,” she said. “SMEs can help develop solutions that redesign, reuse, and recycle materials for a sustainable future.”
Amy Hunter, Deakin REACH Executive Director, said the program connects businesses to research and industry support. “This program helps SMEs drive innovation and build greener supply chains in Australia,” she said.
Previous participants have used Innovate to Grow to advance their projects. Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu from Little Green Panda said the 2023 program helped the company plan its work on turning agricultural waste into biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics.
The program is open to SMEs working in:
- Organic and inorganic recycling
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Clean energy production and storage
- Supply chain waste reduction
- Waste-to-energy solutions
- Fibre and textiles waste
- Sustainable construction materials
- Other circular economy innovations