Innovate to Grow: Farm and Food Technology
Applications are now open for a free 8-week program for small to medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) working in farm and food technology. The program supports participants to explore how research and development (R&D) can advance their project 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: 15 February 2026
Program starts: 12 March 2026
www.csiro.au/foodtech

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 and reading materials.

Week 1 (Starts on 12 March 2026)
Workshop (3.5 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 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 a farm and food technology idea including
any sub-sector such as:
Agritech and AI
Food and beverage manufacturing, packaging and
transport
Livestock and aquaculture
Value-add products
Waste optimisation and recycling
Energy reduction and circular economy
Other emerging farm and food technology applications

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 farm and food technology.
Please note: Australian subsidiary companies of foreign entities are not eligible.

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


Previous participant feedback
“Innovate to Grow is a fantastic program and has
opened my eyes to research teams available for
small businesses which I never knew existed.”
Esther Rupenovic, Jack and Chelo

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/foodtech