Applications open for Innovate to Grow Program (Australia)

In just over four years the Innovate to Grow program has equipped over 600 small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) with the knowledge and tools required to progress their research and development (R&D) opportunities.

This free 10-week online program provides SMEs access to researcher connections, a self-paced learning platform, networking opportunities, guest speakers and expert feedback. Participants can address business challenges, explore collaborations, and create R&D plans within this supportive environment.

Outcomes

• The course will help you make informed business decisions about whether the R&D project you’ve identified is right for you.
• It will step you through how to:
  • refine your innovation challenge question
  • assess the viability of your innovation
  • build your R&D business case
  • prepare a strong R&D funding application
• As part of the course, you can expect:
  • Practical outcomes: They’ll step you through how to turn your idea into viable R&D.
  • Confidential feedback: All submissions will receive prompt expert feedback.
  • A mentor: You will be paired with a researcher to connect you with experts in your field.
  • To build your network: You will build key contacts in your sector.

Who can apply?

• This program is open any SMEs based and operating in Australia who are working on food innovation in any of these sub-sectors:
  • Beverage manufacturing
  • Food production
  • Traditional and complimentary proteins
  • Bio-manufacturing including precision fermentation
  • Sustainable processing
  • Value-adding processes
  • Other

Selection Criteria

• A business based and operating in Australia that is registered with an ABN and ACN/ICN
• A business classified as small to medium or startup (less than 200 employees)
• A business currently, or in the early stages of, exploring R&D opportunities for their business and have a food and beverage innovation idea to work on throughout the course.

For more information, visit CSIRO.