Innovation Connections is a free one-on-one facilitated service to assist SMEs in establishing research priorities, locating researchers and providing access to funding to fast-track R&D projects.
We provide the Innovation Connections service as part of the Entrepreneurs' Programme offered by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.It provides eligible businesses access to expert advice, and financial support through grants and incentives.
When you join the program, you will receive practical advice and mentorship from a dedicated team of facilitators, who will work together with you to help achieve your business's vision. Our facilitators can help guide you to be more competitive and productive, attract investors and commercialise your products, and work with the research sector to develop innovative solutions.
If you are ready to transform your business, the Entrepreneurs' Programme and CSIRO can help you take the next step.
Innovation Connections, connecting SME’s to expertise within the research sector.
Innovation Connections, connecting SME’s to expertise within the research sector.
The Entrepreneurs' Programme provides a suite of unique services to help Australian businesses strengthen, grow, innovate and commercialise. They are specially designed to help you achieve your business vision, facilitated through expert advice and financial assistance.
CSIRO provides the following Entrepreneurs' Programme services for Australia wide:
The Innovation Connections service helps businesses understand their research needs, find the right expertise in the research sector, and fund collaborative research projects. Businesses can also access grants of up to $50,000 to support collaborative research projects.
Our facilitators work with businesses to identify business opportunities in both critical and strategic research, such as new markets, materials, testing etc. We then find the best scientists, engineers or technologies from across Australia's research sector and make recommendations on how best to proceed.
We take the stress out of grant funding by assisting with project design, applying for funding and providing guidance in contracting the project.
Innovation Connections projects are for 2-12 months in duration, and businesses are required to make a cash contribution that matches the value of the grant. Grants can be accessed at any time and are based on eligibility.
Each SME can access up to two Researcher Placements or Business Researcher placement grants, as well as one Graduate Placement grant.
Our experienced facilitators are based across Australia and can apply their breadth of industry experience in manufacturing, medtech, energy, food, agriculture, and supporting industries to assist your business in identifying research needs and opportunities. Get in touch with one of our team for a free consultation.
Alternatively, to learn more about the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, visit business.gov.au/EP or call 13 28 46.