Innovate to Grow program: 

NSW Defence Industry 

Applications are open for a free 10‑week program for small to medium 
enterprises (SMEs) working in NSW’s defence industry to investigate 
new research and development (R&D) opportunities. 

This is a self-paced and virtually delivered program to boost 
innovation performance of SMEs in high priority sectors. 

Why you should attend 

This program is perfect for NSW businesses currently 
working to support the defence industry and investigating 
new R&D to help grow their business or are in the early 
stages of engaging with a research organisation but not 
quite sure where to start. 

Register today 

Applications close: 19 April 2022 

Program starts: 26 April 2022 

csiro.au/InnovatetoGrow 



“Significant benefits of being part of the ‘ecosystem’ – 
from which associations and opportunities flow.” 

– Amanda Falconer, Founder and CEO, 
Former participant 

Key program outcomes 

High-quality outcomes: 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 defence researcher 
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 to support the defence industry 
in NSW. This can be in any sub-sector including; 

• Integrated intelligence, surveillance 
and reconnaissance
• Enhanced human performance
• Medical countermeasures
• Advanced Materials
• Advanced Sensors or Quantum technologies
• Autonomous systems
• Other


Selection criteria (essential): 

• Australian registered and operating. 
• A business operating in NSW.
• Business classified as small to medium 
(<200 employees). 
• A business currently, or in the early stages of, 
exploring R&D opportunities for their business. 


Other considerations: 

• Currently working in the defence sector (or have 
identified a new opportunity relevant to defence). 
• Any other information provided to support 
your application. 
• Have a clear need to develop your skills in R&D. 


Commitment and course outline 

Week 1 | Preparing for the program (~2 hours) 

Pre-workshop videos, materials and questionnaires. 

Week 2 | 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 mentor. 

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

Participants explore opportunities to grow 
their business through innovation and research. 
Fortnightly virtual participant networking events 
and additional webinars (1 hour each). 

A final questionnaire is required at completion. 

“The perfect solution in the current times... nobody 
knows their product/markets and how to improve 
them like SMEs, they just don’t have the resources 
to develop them. This course taps that knowledge 
rich base and links with the resources.” 

– Hamish Shaw, GM, Former participant 

We often receive many more applications than spots 
available and can only offer 25–30 spots. 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. 

For further information 

Michelle Armistead 

Innovate to Grow Program Coordinator 

michelle.armistead@csiro.au 

csiro.au/innovatetogrow

This program 
is co‑funded by 
Investment NSW.