CSIRO

Innovate to Grow program: Energy

Applications are open for a free 10-week program for small to medium 
enterprises (SMEs) working on solutions in the energy sector to explore 
how research and development (R&D) can advance their project or idea.

Build your R&D idea 

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) play a key role 
in growing Australia’s energy industry. 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.

Register today 

Applications close: 10 April 2023 

Program starts: 4 May 2023 

csiro.au/innovatetogrowEnergy

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. 

Mentor: You will be paired with a researcher from 
CSIRO or a university 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 in energy. 
This can be in any sub-sector including: 

• Hydrogen
• Energy storage and batteries
• Energy data systems
• Low emission technology
• Energy resources
• Other


Selection criteria (essential): 

• Business classified as small to medium 
(<200 employees).
• A business currently, or in the early stages of, 
exploring R&D opportunities for their business and 
have an idea to work on throughout the course. 
• Currently working in the energy sector 
(or have identified a new opportunity relevant 
to energy). 
• An Australian registered and operating business 
with an ABN and ACN/ICN.


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 (~2 hours) 

Pre-workshop videos, onboarding, materials 
and questionnaires. 

Week 1 (Official start date, 4 May) 
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. 

“The program was very practical and hands on. 
Tony was an excellent steward and the mentor provided 
excellent advice and connected me with potential 
research partners.”

– Fionna Millikan, Green Gravity

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.

B&M | 23-00108

Liz Crompton 

SME Connect Program Advisor

liz.crompton@csiro.au

+61 8 6436 8695

csiro.au/innovatetogrowEnergy

For further information 

Michelle Armistead 

Innovate to Grow Program Coordinator 

michelle.armistead@csiro.au 

+61 408 898 251

csiro.au/innovatetogrowEnergy