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Using several dollar-matched funding schemes, we help Australian start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) locate the right research expertise and capabilities to develop new products, improve processes and increase their competitive advantage.

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About SME Connect

National support, funding and resources to facilitate and enable innovation-driven partnerships between SME's and Australia's research sector

Our funding programs

SME Connect can help any Australian business with a turnover of less than $100million access dollar-matched financial assistance to undertake research projects.

Meet the SME Connect team

We work with SMEs to find the very best capabilities suited to their business, both locally and across Australia.

STEM+ Business case studies

STEM+ Business enables SMEs to build on existing successful collaborative projects by providing funding support for the placement of early career researchers from Australia’s research organisations into their business to develop and implement new ideas with commercial potential.

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CSIRO staff member in factory at Textor Technologies production facility with moisture-trapping fabric co-developed with CSIRO. Rolls of fabric in background.

Our track record working with SMEs

Since 2008, we've helped more than 400 small to medium businesses grow and gain a competitive advantage through accessing cutting edge research and technology.
Two men in orange vests in a factory inspecting a strip of fabric or paper.

Innovation Connections

A free one-on-one facilitated service to assist SMEs in establishing their research needs, provide access to funding and researcher placements to fast-track SME R&D projects.
Male researcher, Jason Donnelly, wearing helmet, safety glasses and white lab coat, standing in front of Dry slag granulation rig.

CSIRO Kick-Start

Designed specifically for start-ups and established small businesses, CSIRO Kick-Start offers dollar-matched funding of $10,000 to $50,000 for collaborative research projects.

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