This research and development (R&D) training program, delivered as part of the Queensland Government funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, guides businesses through developing and implementing R&D strategies with support from experienced researchers and industry mentors – with a focus on collaborations with regional universities.
Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, said this training will equip small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the tools to build partnerships with regional universities to commercialise their innovative ideas and drive economic growth.
More than one-third of the 650 participants from CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program have been from regional Australia, demonstrating strong engagement from businesses outside major metropolitan areas.
RUIC Program Facilitator, Dr Brendan Kidd, said the program addresses a critical need in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem.
“One of the biggest challenges for SMEs is knowing how to effectively engage with the research sector,” Kidd said.
“CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow bridges that gap by teaching businesses how to speak the language of R&D, identify the right research partners, and structure their projects in ways that attract both research interest and potential funding opportunities.”
James Lister, whose company LP One develops sustainable bio-based alternatives to conventional materials, found the program’s structured approach invaluable.
“The Innovate to Grow program was a great introduction at the early stages of our business,” Lister said.
“The staged process for deliverables and assistance from mentors has been great, helping us progress from initial concept to developing potential research collaborations.”
Innovate to Grow is now open to Queensland-based SMEs working on innovative technologies or solutions across a range of sectors, including:
- Agriculture and food
- Digital technology and AI
- Environmental sciences
- Health and biomedical sciences
- Indigenous science
- Manufacturing
- Mining and mining equipment, technology, and services
- Renewables and low emissions technologies
- Space and defence
- Transport
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