A simple pathway to start your R&D with CSIRO
Kick-Start helps you turn an idea or technical challenge into a focused R&D project through three core stages: confirming eligibility, submitting an Expression of Interest, and partnering with a CSIRO research team to deliver the work.
The step-by-step process
Check your eligibility
Before applying, ensure your business meets the criteria for Kick-Start funding. You’ll need to confirm business size, registration status and capacity to provide matched funding.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you've identified if you are eligible for the program, complete an EOI outlining your business, R&D challenge and desired outcomes. The Kick-Start team will review your submission and determine whether Kick-Start is the right fit for you.
What we look for:
- alignment with CSIRO capability
- a clear R&D question or technical challenge
- potential for commercial or technical impact
- eligibility under the program criteria.
Collaborate with a CSIRO research team
If eligible, you’ll work with CSIRO to shape and deliver an R&D project. This involves refining objectives, confirming scope and co-developing a project plan before work begins.
What this stage includes:
- introduction to the most suitable research team (where possible and IF a match exists)
- discussions to clarify technical needs and feasibility
- development of project milestones, timelines and costings
- submit funding application for approval
- signing a formal project agreement
- commencement of R&D once funding and contracts are in place.
Projects typically run from 2 to 12 months, depending on complexity.
Examples of supported R&D activities
Kick-Start can support a wide range of early-stage research activities, such as:
- feasibility and scoping studies
- prototype development and testing
- data modelling, analytics or laboratory work
- proof-of-concept validation
- technical evaluations or experimentation
- materials, systems or product trials
The work must require CSIRO scientific or technical expertise.
Working together for successful outcomes
To ensure the project runs smoothly, businesses are responsible for:
- contributing matched funding (cash only)
- providing relevant background information or prior work
- participating in project meetings and approvals
- supporting timely communication with the research team
The Kick-Start team guides you through the entire process and remains your primary contact.<
What happens when your R&D is complete
When the project concludes CSIRO will provide:
- project deliverables as agreed in the contract; and
- an end of project feedback form.
Businesses may be eligible for a second Kick-Start voucher to continue progressing their R&D if all requirements are met. A second project cannot be approved until the feedback form from the first project has been submitted.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Check our FAQs for answers to common questions. If you need more information, please reach out to our team at kickstart@csiro.au.
A simple pathway to start your R&D with CSIRO
Kick-Start helps you turn an idea or technical challenge into a focused R&D project through three core stages: confirming eligibility, submitting an Expression of Interest, and partnering with a CSIRO research team to deliver the work.
The step-by-step process
Check your eligibility
Before applying, ensure your business meets the criteria for Kick-Start funding. You’ll need to confirm business size, registration status and capacity to provide matched funding.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you've identified if you are eligible for the program, complete an EOI outlining your business, R&D challenge and desired outcomes. The Kick-Start team will review your submission and determine whether Kick-Start is the right fit for you.
What we look for:
- alignment with CSIRO capability
- a clear R&D question or technical challenge
- potential for commercial or technical impact
- eligibility under the program criteria.
Collaborate with a CSIRO research team
If eligible, you’ll work with CSIRO to shape and deliver an R&D project. This involves refining objectives, confirming scope and co-developing a project plan before work begins.
What this stage includes:
- introduction to the most suitable research team (where possible and IF a match exists)
- discussions to clarify technical needs and feasibility
- development of project milestones, timelines and costings
- submit funding application for approval
- signing a formal project agreement
- commencement of R&D once funding and contracts are in place.
Projects typically run from 2 to 12 months, depending on complexity.
Examples of supported R&D activities
Kick-Start can support a wide range of early-stage research activities, such as:
- feasibility and scoping studies
- prototype development and testing
- data modelling, analytics or laboratory work
- proof-of-concept validation
- technical evaluations or experimentation
- materials, systems or product trials
The work must require CSIRO scientific or technical expertise.
Working together for successful outcomes
To ensure the project runs smoothly, businesses are responsible for:
- contributing matched funding (cash only)
- providing relevant background information or prior work
- participating in project meetings and approvals
- supporting timely communication with the research team
The Kick-Start team guides you through the entire process and remains your primary contact.<
What happens when your R&D is complete
When the project concludes CSIRO will provide:
- project deliverables as agreed in the contract; and
- an end of project feedback form.
Businesses may be eligible for a second Kick-Start voucher to continue progressing their R&D if all requirements are met. A second project cannot be approved until the feedback form from the first project has been submitted.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Check our FAQs for answers to common questions. If you need more information, please reach out to our team at kickstart@csiro.au.