Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing

This program is open to businesses working in one of the sub-sectors listed below. If you are not sure if you fit into one of these sub-sectors, please reach out to our program coordinators.

The course provides tools and information to help you better understand what's involved with R&D and key things you need to consider at each step of the process. You'll be able to apply this knowledge to advance your innovation journey.

Program detail

This program is open to Australian SMEs looking to build their R&D capabilities using advanced manufacturing, or those who need advanced manufacturing to create or improve a product or enhance efficiency in their business. 

The program will help you refine your innovation idea and step you through how to turn this into a research and development opportunity.

You will also be exposed to industry knowledge, hear from innovation and industry experts and have access to networking opportunities with researchers and R&D mentors.

It's a great opportunity to work alongside other like-minded SMEs and build your networks.

Course outline

The course will help you to:

• Identify your innovation opportunities
• Refine your value proposition
• Understand the R&D viability
• Help you build your business case
• Provide guidance on how to prepare a strong funding application

The program is made up of virtual webinars and self-paced learning as follows:

Preparing for the program (one week prior to official start, approximately 3-4 hours)

• Participants will be provided with an on-boarding session, pre-workshop videos, materials and questionnaires to assist in preparing for the program.
• Time commitment is approximately two hours.

Week 1: Workshop (Official start date 6 June 2024, approximately 4.5 hours)

• The program's main compulsory component is a half-day workshop covering the program concept. Participants will hear from CSIRO industry and research experts as well as relevant industry SMEs. Key topics include trends within your industry sector, a panel discussion with collaborating SMEs, and current funding opportunities for R&D.
• Time commitment is approximately 4.5 hours.

Week 2-10: Self-paced innovation program

• Participants will work through the online innovation program at their own pace, supported by a mentor and experienced innovation facilitators to develop and test their research ideas and business cases.
• Fortnightly webinars for participant networking and guest speakers.
• A final questionnaire is required at completion.
• Time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours per week.

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 provided with a mentor from CSIRO or a university to assist you with understanding the program deliverables and connecting you to 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.

Who can apply

This program is open to any SME participants working on Advanced Manufacturing solutions in the following subsectors: 

• Digital solutions and Smart robotics
• Additive manufacturing
• Advanced materials and processes
• Quantum technology
• Mechatronics design and engineering
• Biomedical manufacturing
• Energy storage and battery technology

Selection criteria (essential):

• An Australian registered and operating business with an ABN and ACN/ICN (sole traders and partnerships are not currently eligible to apply)
• A business classified as small to medium (less than 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

Other considerations:

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

Program flyer

• Innovate to Grow: Advanced manufacturing PDF (241 KB)
• Innovate to Grow: Advanced manufacturing (accessible text) TXT (4 KB)

What program participants are saying

"A well-structured program with defined objectives at each stage + 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

"I got exactly the contacts, and support that I needed to move forward and discover the viability of my project."

Murray Connop, Connop Metal

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