Innovate to Grow program: 
Digital health and medical technology

Apply now for our free 10-week program for small to medium‑sized enterprises 
(SMEs) working on innovative ideas in digital health and medical technology, 
exploring how research and development (R&D) can advance your project 
or idea.

Build your R&D idea 

SMEs play a key role in growing Australia’s digital 
health and medical technology industry, but taking 
an R&D idea and turning this into reality can sometimes 
be a daunting prospect.

Our free self-paced 10-week program will build your 
knowledge to help you refine your innovation idea and turn 
this into a R&D opportunity.

Apply today 

Applications close: 18 February 2024 

Program starts: 14 March 2024 

csiro.au/digihealthmedtech

Australia’s National Science Agency



Key program outcomes 

Personalised support to refine your idea: We’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 paired with a researcher from 
CSIRO or a university to help connect you with relevant 
research expertise. 

Build your network: You will build key contacts in your 
sector, including researchers and other SMEs. 

Key program outputs include how to: 

• Create a strong research question for your idea
• Refine your value proposition
• Map out your collaboration options
• Build a high impact R&D business case
• Prepare a funding application.


Who can attend 

Participants working in digital health and/or medical 
technology, including any of the following sub-sectors:

• Digital health: Therapeutics and care
• Digital health: Health system analytics
• Digital health: Biomedical informatics and 
data modelling
• Medical technology: Diagnostics, biosensors, 
and biomedical devices
• Medical technology: Drug discovery
• Medical technology: Vaccines and 
biologic therapeutics
• Other subsectors considered.


Selection criteria (essential): 

• A business classified as small to medium 
(<200 employees)
• A business with an R&D idea to work on throughout 
the program related to digital health and/or 
medical technology 
• An Australian registered and operating business 
with an ABN and ACN/ICN 
Please note: Sole traders, partnerships and Australian 
subsidiary companies of foreign entities are not eligible. 
Researchers working at universities can apply as 
a mentor but not a participant.


Other considerations: 

• Any other information provided to support 
your application
• Have a clear need to develop your knowledge 
and skills in R&D collaboration.


Commitment and course outline 

Preparing for the program (3–4 hours) 

Pre-workshop videos, onboarding, materials 
and questionnaires.

Week 1 (Official start date, 14 March) 
Workshop (4.5 hours) 

Guest speakers from CSIRO, sector experts and SMEs 
who will provide tips and information on topics such 
as trends and opportunities, innovation experience 
and funding. You will also meet your fellow participants 
and mentor. 

Weeks 2–10 
Self-paced innovation program (2–3 hours per week) 

Participants explore opportunities to grow their 
business through innovation and research. 

Fortnightly virtual webinars for participant networking 
and guest speakers. 

A final questionnaire is required at completion. 

CSIRO selects businesses based on the strength of 
the application, and a clear interest and capacity 
to pursue R&D. 

CSIRO Innovate to Grow is delivered using Practera’s 
online ed-tech platform and facilitation services.

‘Participating in the program is the only way you can 
access world-class research professionals to help you 
assess the viability of your idea.’

– George Maclean, Founder, Medvatic

‘I found the program rewarding, enjoyable and 
thought provoking. It may not be a good fit for every 
organisation, but for those looking to understand 
more about developing a process of innovation and 
learning how to engage with research institutes it 
was very useful.’

– Julian Fay, Chief Technology Officer, Senetas

For further information 

Innovate to Grow

InnovatetoGrow@csiro.au

csiro.au/digihealthmedtech

B&M | 24-00008