CSIRO offers free R&D training for Queensland SMEs

Applications for a free online R&D training program opened today (17 February) for Queensland-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs) working on innovative solutions or technologies.

CSIRO is calling for expressions of interest for ‘Innovate to Grow: Queensland’, a free eight-week research and development (R&D) training program, aimed at helping Queensland SMEs to transform innovative ideas into research-ready projects across a range of sectors.

This 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 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,” he 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,” he 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
   

The Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program is funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by CSIRO. Partner universities are James Cook University, Central Queensland University, University of Southern Queensland and University of the Sunshine Coast.

Applications close on 16 March 2025. To learn more and apply, click here.

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