CSIRO and AMRF Connect partner on advanced manufacturing program

CSIRO is partnering with the NSW Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility Connect (AMRF Connect) on the latest Innovate to Grow program for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in advanced manufacturing. The free, eight-week online program helps participants refine innovation ideas, assess commercial potential and develop practical pathways for research and development.

The delivery of the program is part of the joint commitment between the AMRF, Western Sydney University, and CSIRO through AMRF Connect to create a thriving advanced manufacturing ecosystem around Bradfield City in Western Sydney.

CSIRO Director for Manufacturing, Dr Katja Digweed, said the program supports manufacturing SMEs to navigate complex technology decisions.

“Many SMEs have great ideas but need support to bridge the gap between concept and commercialisation,” she said. “CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow gives businesses practical tools to assess technical opportunities, strengthen their R&D planning and build connections with researchers and industry partners who can help bring innovations to life.”

CSIRO said that since June 2020, its Innovate to Grow has equipped more than 750 Australian SMEs with the knowledge and support to progress R&D opportunities.

The program combines self-paced learning with expert coaching and facilitated peer discussions. Participants work with an R&D coach and CSIRO or university researchers to develop project plans, build funding strategies and identify suitable research partners.

Ben Kitcher, Executive Director of the AMRF, said the program reflects a broader commitment to capability building.

“We’re pleased to be bringing CSIRO’s proven Innovate to Grow program to manufacturers. Programs like this give businesses the structure, confidence and practical tools to grow and scale,” he said. “It’s part of a broader program of work through our partnership with Western Sydney University and CSIRO in AMRF Connect that is focused on strengthening skills and building the long-term growth of the manufacturing industry in Australia, and particularly in Western Sydney where there is already a deep base of capability.”

A previous participant, Damien Stein, from Energy & Resources Technical Services, said the program provided clear guidance on planning and executing R&D projects.

“The step-by-step framework helped sharpen my thinking and build a solid foundation for progressing toward pilot deployment and funding,” he said. “The modules were practical and thought-provoking, effectively guiding participants from early-stage vision through to technology readiness planning, stakeholder engagement and commercial model design.”

CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing is open to Australian SMEs developing or supplying solutions in:

• additive manufacturing
• advanced materials and processing
• composites
• digital, robotics and automation
• mechatronic design and precision engineering
• quality assurance and measurement
• quantum technology
• sensors and IoT
• other emerging advanced manufacturing applications.
   

Applications are now open and close on 22 March 2026.

To learn more and apply click here.

Image credit: Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility