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October 2023

Welcome from the CSIRO SME team

Open programs – apply now!

Innovate to Grow: Agrifood

SMEs working on innovative technologies or solutions in the agricultural and food industry are invited to apply for CSIRO’s free, ten-week online Innovate to Grow program.

Ignite Spark

Ignite Spark supports Queensland innovation-driven enterprises to progress the development of an innovative product or service closer to market.

30X30

30X30 is a tailored program for late-stage founders and their leadership teams. This program frees up founders to focus on key strategic priorities fundamental to growth.

OpenGround

Agtech and Logistics Hub’s OpenGround challenge is a collaborative program helping agribusiness solve their challenges.

Applications for RISE Accelerator program opening soon!

The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator program will be commencing cohort 1 in early 2024. Delivered in partnership with CSIRO and Atal Innovation Mission and NITI Aayog, RISE is purpose-built to help Indian and Australian late stage startups and SMEs with mature cutting-edge technology to fast-track their cross-border impact. A call for applications will be coming soon.

Sign up for the RISE mailing list!

Give it a go

Founders Dealroom Account

Have you founded a company and raised less than $10 million in funding? Find investors & attract talent with a FREE Founders Dealroom account.

Collaboration Readiness Tool

Our Collaboration Readiness Levels is FREE and will help you discover where your business is at, ready for your next R&D move.

Congrats!

A big congratulations to our SME Connect alumni companies who have made The Australian’s Top 100 Innovators list, among those reshaping Australia’s economy and leading it into the future:

ElectraLith
Gilmour Space Technologies
InvertiGro
Q-CTRL
Quantum Brilliance
Rainstick
Reejig
Regrow Ag
Slyp
Uluu
Uuvipak

SME alumni in the spotlight

Ochre Sun

Meet Ochre Sun – where ancient wisdom meets modern skincare.

Founded by proud Waanyi Kalkatungu woman, Alana Kennedy, Ochre Sun’s sunscreen formulas are a tribute to traditional knowledge. Supported by the Kick-Start program, Ochre Sun is collaborating with CSIRO experts to unlock the therapeutic secrets of native plants and crafting advanced extraction techniques.

Eyes of AI

Eyes of AI secures multiple accolades at prestigious national iAwards

Eyes of AI and CSIRO’s Data61 have secured multiple awards at the Australian Information Industry Association’s (AIIA) prestigious national iAwards ceremony for the AI-driven dental and medical imaging technology they developed.

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Ecosystem events

SXSW Sydney

SXSW Sydney will showcase diverse topics, people and free-roaming ideas across music, screen, gaming, technology, innovation and culture over seven days in October.

Unearth Your Vision

Are you ready to expand your idea of what it means to lead with purpose? Join this session to learn how to cultivate a purpose-driven mindset.

Funding opportunities

Got something to share?

If you have a program, event or funding opportunity of interest to our start-up and SME network, please contact us with your submission.

Contact us

The CSIRO SME Team are here to help

  • Looking to work with CSIRO researchers on your R&D project? Kick-Start might be for you!
  • Not sure where to start? Contact us. There’s a friendly facilitator who can help.