Innovate to Grow: 
Advanced Manufacturing

Applications are open for a free 10-week program for small- to medium‑sized 
enterprises (SMEs) working on advanced manufacturing solutions and exploring 
how research and development (R&D) can advance your project or idea.

Build your R&D idea 

SMEs play a key role in growing Australia’s advanced 
manufacturing capability, but taking an R&D idea and turning 
this into reality can sometimes be a daunting prospect.

Our free self-paced 10-week program will build your skills 
to help you refine your innovation idea and turn this into 
a R&D opportunity.

Apply today 

Applications close: 12 May 2024 

Program starts: 6 June 2024 

csiro.au/advancedmanufacturing



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. 

Mentor: You will be paired with a researcher 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: 

• Create a strong research question for your idea
• Assess the value of your innovation
• Work out your collaboration options
• Compose a high impact R&D business case
• Prepare a funding application.


Who can attend 

Participants based and operating in Australia who are 
working on advanced manufacturing solutions. 
This can be in any sub‑sector including: 

• Robotics
• Additive manufacturing
• Advanced materials and processes
• Mechatronics design and engineering
• Energy storage and battery technology
• Sensing and detecting technologies
• Natural products manufacturing
• Biomedical manufacturing


Selection criteria (essential): 

• A business based and operating in Australia
• A business classified as small to medium 
(<200 employees)
• A business with an R&D idea to work on throughout 
the program related to advanced manufacturing 
• An Australian registered and operating business 
with an ABN and ACN/ICN 
Please note: Sole traders, partnerships and Australian 
subsidiary companies of foreign entities are not eligible. 
Researchers working at universities can apply as a 
mentor but not a participant.


Other considerations: 

• Any other information provided to support 
your application
• Have a clear need to develop your knowledge 
and skills in R&D


Commitment and course outline 

Preparing for the program (3–4 hours) 

Pre-workshop videos, onboarding, materials 
and questionnaires.

Week 1 (Official start date, 6 June) 
Workshop (4.5 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 mentor. 

Weeks 2–10 
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. 

A final questionnaire is required at completion. 

‘A well-structured program with defined objectives at 
each stage and excellent engagement and advice from 
the facilitator with regards to our project and ways in 
which we can move forward with our ideas.’ 

– Hristos Matheou, Electric Motor Power Pty Ltd

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

For further information 

InnovatetoGrow@csiro.au 

csiro.au/advancedmanufacturing