Innovate to Grow: Aquaculture

Applications are open for a free 8-week program for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) developing new products or technologies in aquaculture. 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 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: 16 August 2026
Programs starts: 10 September 2026
www.csiro.au/aqualculture


Australia's National Science Agency

Key program outcomes
Refine your idea: We'll step you through the process of turning your idea into a viable research project.
Confidential feedback: Meet with a CSIRO facilitator to discuss program exercises and business challenges.
Coaching: Learn more about research projects and get connected to an expert with help from an R&D coach.
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)
Virtual onboarding session, pre-workshop video and
reading materials.

Program start (10 September 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 and innovation experience
You will also meet your fellow participants
and R&D coach.

Weeks 1–8
Program timeline (2–3 hours per week)
You’ll explore opportunities to grow your
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
developing new products or technologies in
aquaculture. This can be in any sub-sector including:
Breeding
Health
Nutrition
Production systems and optimisation
Digital and AI
Sustainability and circular agri-aquaculture
Packaging
Enabling Indigenous-led aquaculture

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 any of the subsectors listed.

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.


Hear from a previous program participant
‘Innovate to Grow helped me to clarify the real status of my
innovation and better understand the R&D pathway required
to progress it. It also helped me identify that my project is not
simply a product-development issue, but requires regulatory
clarification, claims discipline, independent validation, a
funding strategy and a staged evidence pathway. The
program gave me a more structured and realistic framework
for deciding what needs to happen next.’
– Rebecca Parlett, Bio Tribute Systems

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


For further information
Send an email to InnovatetoGrow@csiro.au or visit www.csiro.au/aquaculture