Innovate to Grow program: 
Cyber security and digital technology

Applications are open for a free 10-week program for small- to medium‑sized 
enterprises (SMEs) working on innovative solutions in cyber security 
and/or digital technology to explore how research and development (R&D) 
can advance their project or idea.

Build your R&D idea 

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) play a key 
role in growing Australia’s cyber security and digital 
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 skills 
to help you refine your innovation idea and turn this into 
a R&D opportunity.

Register today 

Applications close: 17 September 2023

Program starts: 12 October 2023

csiro.au/cyberdigitech



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 the relevant specialists. 

Build your network: You will build key contacts in your 
sector, including researchers at CSIRO and universities, 
domain experts, funding professionals and other SMEs. 

Key things covered include: 

• Identifying your innovation opportunities 
• Refining your value proposition
• Understanding the R&D viability
• Helping you build your business case 
• Providing guidance on how to prepare a strong 
funding application


Who can attend 

Participants working on an idea in cyber security 
and/or digital technology. This can be in any 
sub‑sector including: 

• Cybersecurity
– AR/VR/XR
– Digital identity
– Digital manufacturing
– Digital twins



• Artificial intelligence/machine learning
• Robotics and autonomous systems
• ChatGPT/large language models


Selection criteria (essential): 

• Business classified as small to medium 
(<200 employees)
• A business with an R&D idea to work on throughout 
the program related to cyber security and/or 
digital technology
• 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


Other considerations: 

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


Commitment and course outline 

Preparing for the program (3–4 hours) 

Pre-workshop videos, onboarding, materials 
and questionnaires. 

Week 1 (Official start date, 12 October) 
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 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 virtual webinars for participant networking 
and guest speakers. 

A final questionnaire is required at completion. 

‘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 Corporation, Senetas

CSIRO awards places to businesses based on the strength of 
the application, and a clear interest and capacity to pursue 
R&D. We also include participants from a variety of industry 
sub‑sectors and regions.

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

B&M | 23-00433

For further information 

csiro.au/cyberdigitech

InnovatetoGrow@csiro.au

‘I believe the program is a great way to distil and 
crystalise a specific project scope. Regardless of funding 
opportunities the ability to narrow down the scope 
of a potential project is extremely valuable.’

– Chris Pistilli, Lead Consultant, Synergy Managed

This program is funded by the 
Australian Government Department 
of Industry, Science and Resources 
through the Cyber Security Skills 
Partnership Innovation Fund.