Innovate to Grow program: 
Health and medical technology

Applications are open for a free 10-week program for small to medium 
enterprises (SMEs) working on solutions in the health and medical 
technology 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 health and medical 
technology 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: 12 June 2023 

Program starts: 6 July 2023 

csiro.au/healthmedtech

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 health and medical technology 
sectors. This can be in any sub-sector including: 

• Health and nutrition
• Digital health
• Botanical pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
• Diagnostics, biosensors and biomedical devices
• Biopharmaceuticals
• Drug discovery
• Vaccines and biologic therapeutics


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 health and medical 
technology sector (or have identified a 
new opportunity relevant to health and 
medical technology). 
• 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, 6 July 2023) 
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. 

“I believe the program is a great way to distil and 
crystalize a specific project scope. Regardless of funding 
opportunities the ability to narrow down the scope of a 
potential project is extremely valuable.”

– Chris Pistilli, Lead Consultant, Synergy Managed

“I found the program rewarding, enjoyable and thought 
provoking. It may not be a good fit for every organisation 
but for those looking to understand more about 
developing a process of innovation and learning how to 
engage with research institutes it was very useful.”

– Julian Fay, Chief Technology Corporation, Senetas 

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 | 23-00250

For further information 

csiro.au/healthmedtech 

InnovatetoGrow@csiro.au