Applications open for Innovate to Grow: Clean Energy Program – Australia

This program will assist you in:

• Refining your innovation idea and learning how to transform it into an R&D opportunity.
• Accessing tools and information for a comprehensive understanding of R&D collaboration and key considerations at each step.
• Applying this knowledge to advance your technology or R&D concept.
• Gaining industry insights from experts, researchers and your mentor.
• Collaborating with like-minded SMEs and expanding your professional network.

Course Outline

This program is made up of virtual webinars, self-paced learning and one in-person meeting as follows:

• Preparing for the program (one week prior to workshop, approximately 3-4 hours)
  • Participants will be provided with an on-boarding session, and pre-workshop videos and materials to assist in preparing the program.
  • Time commitment is approximately three to four hours.
• Week 1: Workshop (official start date 18 July, approximately 4.5 hours)
  • The program’s main compulsory component is a half-day workshop covering the program concept. Participants will hear from CSIRO industry and research experts as well as relevant industry SMEs. Key topics include trends within your industry sector, a panel discussion with collaborating SMEs, and current funding opportunities for R&D.
  • Time commitment is approximately 4.5 hours.
• Weeks 2-10: Self-paced innovation program
  • Participants will work through the online innovation program at their own pace, supported by a mentor and experienced innovation facilitators to develop and test their research idea and business case.
  • Fortnightly webinars for participant networking and guest speakers.
  • A final survey at completion.
  • Time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours per week.

Key Program Outcomes

• Personalised support to refine your idea: They’ll step you through the process of turning your idea into a viable research project.
• Confidential feedback: All submissions through the program portal will receive prompt expert feedback.
• Mentor: You will be provided with a mentor from CSIRO or a university to assist you with understanding the program deliverables and connecting you to a relevant specialist.
• Build your network: You will build key contacts in your sector, including researchers and other SMEs.

Who can apply?

• This program is open to eligible SMEs working within the clean energy capabilities listed below.
  • Energy storage
  • Electrification
  • Energy modelling and integrated systems
  • Carbon management
  • Renewable energy
  • Renewable heat
  • Sustainable fuels
  • Other
• Selection criteria (essential):
  • A business based and operating in Australia
  • A business classified as small to medium (less than 200 employees)
  • A business currently, or in the early stages of, exploring R&D opportunities for their business and have a clean energy idea to work on throughout the course.
  • An Australian registered and operating business with an ABN and ACN/ICN
• Please note: Sole traders and partnerships are currently not eligible for the program. Businesses need to be registered and have their primary place of business within Australia (Australian subsidiary companies of foreign entities are not eligible). Researchers working at universities can apply as a mentor but not as a participant.
• Other considerations:
  • Any other information provided to support your application
  • Have a clear need to develop your knowledge in R&D

For more information, visit CSIRO.