Innovate to Grow: Mining and Critical Minerals

Applications are open for a free 8-week program for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working in the mining and critical minerals sector. The program helps participants explore how research and development (R&D) can advance their projects or ideas.

Build your R&D idea
SMEs play a key role in growing Australia's innovation capability, but having the right support is critical to success.
Our free online 8-week program will help build your skills and networks so you can learn how to advance your idea with R&D.

Apply today
Applications close: 28 September 2025
Program starts: 16 October 2025

www.csiro.au/I2Gcriticalminerals


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.
Coaching: You will be paired with a R&D coach from CSIRO or a university to help connect you with a relevant specialist.
Build your network: You will build key contacts in your sector, including researchers and other SMEs.

Key program outputs include how to:
Identify strengths and weaknesses of your business idea 
Build your R&D project plan
Develop your project roadmap and funding strategy Review your business idea and create a list of priorities and actions.

Commitment and course outline
Preparing for the program (3–4 hours)
Onboarding session, pre-workshop videos and reading
materials.

Week 1 (Starts on 16 October 2025)
Workshop (4 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 R&D coach.

Weeks 2–8
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.


Who can attend

Participants based and operating in Australia who are
working on an idea within the mining and critical minerals sector,
including any sub-sector such as:
Discovery
Hard rock mining
Processing
Sensing and sorting
Characterisation
Sustainable mining technologies
Battery technology
Other

Selection criteria (essential):

A business based and operating in Australia that is
registered with an ABN
A business classified as small to medium
(<200 employees)
An R&D idea to work on throughout the program
related to the critical minerals sector.
Please note: Australian subsidiary companies of foreign entities are not eligible.

Other considerations:
A strong alignment to the program objectives
A clear desire to investigate a R&D project

Previous participant feedback
‘CSIRO was outstanding in understanding the
research field and requirements for development
and commercialisation activities. I immediately made
connections within CSIRO and other participants to
assist with progressing the technology. The specialist
advice from topic experts was fantastic!’
– Ebbe Dommisse, Iondrive


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

For further information InnovatetoGrow@csiro.au www.csiro.au/I2Gcriticalminerals