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Issue 2: April 2022

Welcome from the CSIRO SME team

New funding opportunities announced!

Investment Attraction Fund
Investment Attraction Fund $100m funding pool launched for WA-relevant industries such as METs mining and more. Expressions of interest are now open.

SME Recovery Loan Scheme
Still looking for support with pandemic recovery for your business? The SME Recovery Loan Scheme remains open until June 2022.

Net Zero Industry and Innovation Plan
NSW Government have provided $95 million in funding for business for clean technology innovations of the Net Zero Industry and Innovation plan.

Events and programs

Generation STEM Links
Applications are open now for our new industry work placement program. University/TAFE STEM students can gain real work experience with STEM based SMEs in NSW.

AI, Cyber, Modelling and Simulation for SME growth Symposium
Registrations are now open for SMEs to participate in this free conference in Sydney from the 2nd-3rd May. This two-day Symposium will bring together stakeholders in the AI, cyber, modelling and simulation space to help Australian SMEs to better understand how technologies and digital innovations could be used and can equip them to grow within a digitally enabled environment.

Clean pandemic pivot

Norris Industries

Innovation Connections Alumni Norris Industries pivoted from dishwashers to hand sanitisers to keep their hospitality business secure.

Pandemic pivot to online learning

HowToo

With more people working from home than ever before, Innovation Connections Alumni, the AI based ‘HowToo’ online workplace learning business took off.

Pandemic pivot away from harsh chemicals

Wild Wash

With cleaning products in higher demand, CSIRO Kick-Start Alumni, Wash Wild saw a gap in the market to offer consumers something that was still effective, without the harsh chemicals.

Other successful stories

Could seaweed replace plastic?

ULUU is producing an alternative to petroleum-based plastic using seaweed, thanks to funding from CSIRO Kick-Start and part of CSIRO’s plastic waste reduction mission.

COVID-19 transforms international travel preparation

Innovation Connections company, Ecas4, developed a Covid-killing “fog” to be used at Singapore Airport this year, they say to help make travel even safer.

Opportunities for start-ups

CSIRO ON Accelerator Program

If you’re early stage start-up or founder, an incubation or Accelerator experience might be for you. Pending outcomes of the recent federal budget announcement, we hope to have more to share on the return of the CSIRO ON Accelerator program.

Melbourne Accelerator Program

Expressions of interest for the Melbourne Accelerator Program run by University of Melbourne are open all year around. You’ll need to be connected to the University or have social impact at your core to be eligible.

The Big Leap

La Trobe University has launched The Big Leap, an incubator program with Digital Arrow for Australian migrant business founders. Apply before 30 April 2022.

Young Hero Awards

Young Hero Awards as part of Small Biz Week (19-21 May 2022) are seeking nominations for trailblazing start-ups and young entrepreneurs under 35 years old. 

Got something to share?

We're now accepting submissions for Edition 3 our newsletter, due out July. Please send all details and an image to our inbox.

Contact us

The CSIRO SME Team are here to help