Coach a business 
to help it Innovate to Grow

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in growing 
Australia’s economy, but the concept of translating an idea into an innovation 
through research and development (R&D) can be an overwhelming and daunting 
task if you haven’t experienced it before.

CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program is a 
free 8-week program helping businesses 
to build their skills and refine their novel 
ideas into a tangible R&D opportunity 
with commercial applications. 

The program is delivered virtually using Practera’s 
online ed-tech platform and facilitation services.

What is the role of an R&D coach?

A highlight of the program is to connect SMEs with coaches, 
to help them understand:

• how to convert their business idea into a research question
• how to work with publicly funded research organisations 
(including general information about timing 
and expectations)
• connect SMEs to relevant researchers for expert advice 
and project discussions
• work collaboratively with the other coaches and innovation 
team to assist the SME group.




Who can apply to be an R&D coach? 

Researchers or people working with research teams 
within CSIRO or at Australian universities are encouraged 
to become coaches. 

Benefits of being an R&D coach

•Support the increase of industry R&D knowledge.
•Work directly with exciting and innovative Australian SMEs.
•Develop coaching and advisory skills like communication,
problem solving and networking with support from theCSIRO program facilitators.
•Practice translating scientific knowledge and expertise 
into industry language.
•Increase professional networks through new connections 
in the program.
•Receive a certificate for your participation.
Coaches are assigned 3–4 SMEs to work with but 
will be introduced to the whole group and work 
as a team with other coaches. We estimate you will 
need 2 hours per week across the 8-week period.

Innovate to Grow timeline 

Week123

What previous R&D coaches have said

“This is an excellent opportunity to participate and 
hopefully contribute to a very important part of the 
Australian commercial and technological landscape.”

Berto Pandolfo, University of Technology Sydney(Advancedmanufacturing program)

“The program provides a perfect platform to communicate 
with SMEs and understand their dynamics. This experience 
can be heavily beneficial for the mentors in future 
interactions with SME-based industry partnerships.”

Chamikara Mahawaga Arachchige, CSIRO’s Data61(Cybersecurity program)

“The mentor program provides an excellent platform 
for engagement between industry and researchers. 
The training materials in the Practera are great and 
it is very helpful to improve my communication with 
the industry. This program also helped me to engage 
with researchers from other universities.”

Dr Feifei Bai, Griffith University (Energy program)

45678

SME meetings 1:1
OnboardingVirtualSupmeeportSuptingmeeportSuptingmeeporttingCertificateWorkshopWebinar 1Webinar 2Webinar 3Webinar 4

Apply to become an R&D coach today!

To apply, or for more information, email InnovatetoGrow@csiro.auPlease include your sector of interest or area of expertise.

As Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO is solving thegreatest challenges through innovativescience and technology.

CSIRO. Creating a better future for everyone.

B&M | 26-00030