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June 2026

Welcome to our newsletter, highlighting recent developments across CSIRO's innovation programs and upcoming innovation ecosystem opportunities to support your business goals.

Queensland founders take their ideas to action

Learn more about RUIC

A sold-out room of Queensland founders and SMEs joined us at The Precinct in Fortitude Valley to hear from Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson and regional entrepreneur Julia Spicer OAM. Attendees spent the afternoon meeting researchers from James Cook University, CQUniversity, the University of Southern Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast to explore what's possible for their own R&D ideas. Through the Queensland Government-funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program delivered by CSIRO, Queensland businesses can access up to $50,000 in matched funding per research project.

Free R&D program for SMEs

Innovate to Grow: One Health

Applications are open for this free 8-week research and development (R&D) training program for SMEs working on solutions for the health of people, animals and the environment. Applications close Sunday 12 July 2026.

Apply now

CSIRO Kick-Start program

CSIRO supports innovative Australian SMEs through our Kick-Start program, providing matched funding and access to our research expertise and capabilities to help grow and develop your business.

Learn more
Two male tertiary-level students standing side by side infront of a stacked carry case

Skilled interns, no recruitment legwork

Newcastle AI company SAPHI needed engineering talent to support a major product rollout - without a drawn-out hiring process. Through CSIRO's Generation STEM Links program, the program team handled the advertising, shortlisting and first interviews.

SAPHI planned to take on two interns. The candidates were so strong they hired four - and all four have since accepted ongoing roles.  Read how it worked.

Ecosystem events and resources

Illustrated podcast artwork for It Starts With… by ConnectSci. Hands hold up a watercolour Earth surrounded by science icons including a bee, DNA strand, robot head, atom and dinosaur skull, against a starry night sky.

It Starts With… a new weekly science podcast.

Tune into the first episode of It Starts With…, a free weekly podcast from ConnectSci exploring the people behind the science. AI expert Jon Whittle, author of AI in Business, uses real-world examples to explain how artificial intelligence is reshaping work and decision-making - and what it means for you.

Listen now.

CSIRO alumni spotlight

Ancient knowledge and modern science give early warning on plant stress

Nallawilli Bunjil is combining drone technology, machine learning and Indigenous Knowledge to detect early signs of land stress - before they become visible to the naked eye.

Read more