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May 2023

Welcome from the CSIRO SME team

Open programs and opportunities – apply now!

Innovate to Grow: Health and Medical Technology

CSIRO Innovate to Grow is a free online program for SMEs to understand how to engage with R&D to progress an innovation idea. Applications are now open for companies in the Health and MedTech sector.

Generation STEM Links

The program provides high‑quality internships with NSW businesses to help tertiary students gain workplace skills and transition into STEM jobs. It also aims to build a pool of STEM-capable professionals for the future of NSW STEM industries through its partnerships.

Innovation Connections Update

The Federal Entrepreneurs' Programme has closed to new applications effective from 7:30pm (AEST) on 9 May 2023 and services will cease on 30 June 2023. The closure applies to all elements of the Entrepreneurs' Programme including Accelerating Commercialisation, Innovation Connections (IC), Growth, and Specialist Services.

CSIRO has been a service provider over the lifetime of Innovation Connections (IC) and the program impact has been incredible:

  • 1555 unique companies have undertaken 2353 IC projects with a total research value of $216M, comprising grants of $99M and company cash contributions of $117M
  • The CSIRO team has facilitated 1667 out of these 2353 projects
  • 39 Australian universities and 39 publicly funded research organisations have delivered IC projects
  • $4B+ in capital has been raised by Innovation Connections alumni companies
  • 48% of businesses are collaborating through R&D for the first time
  • 98% of businesses are satisfied/highly satisfied with IC along with 97% of PFROs
  • Over 200 companies have progressed from IC to other programs such as CRC, CRC-P, and ARC projects

The SME team is proud of the Innovation Connections achievements and will continue to work on initiatives to support SMEs in engaging with R&D.

New SME alumni stories

Tessara Therapeutics

Accelerating the discovery of new drug candidates for neurological diseases

Tessara Therapeutics is a biotech company commercializing the RealBrain® human neural tissue models to discover better neurological drugs.

Generation STEM Links

Retaining STEM talent in the Riverina: How internships can help

Internship programs like Generation STEM Links can assist regional businesses in attracting young talent and providing them with valuable work experience.

Can't miss reading

Ecosystem events

Tropical Innovation Festival

Celebrating innovation, investment and entrepreneurship while being inspired, learning, and connecting in Tropical North Queensland.

AIATSIS Summit 2023

The AIATSIS Summit provides a unique forum to share the brilliance and value of Indigenous ways of knowing, seeing and being in the world.

26th World Mining Congress

The World Mining Congress 2023 is a unique opportunity for international representatives of the world’s leading resource economies to meet, find new partners, discuss current challenges, and share the latest research, technology and best practice.

Digital Factory 4.0

Digital Factory 4.0 Forum is a unique way to gain knowledge and enjoy engaging networking sessions with like-minded manufacturing professionals. Learn innovative, practical solutions that you can take with you and practice in your operations.

Funding opportunities

Got something to share?

If you have a program, event or funding opportunity to share with our business 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.