Innovate to Grow: Aquaculture

Program detail

This program will assist you in:

• Refining your innovation idea and learning how to transform it into an R&D opportunity
• Accessing tools and information for a comprehensive understanding of R&D collaboration and key considerations at each step
• Applying this knowledge to advance your technology or R&D concept
• Gaining industry insights from experts, researchers and your R&D coach
• Collaborating with like-minded SMEs and expanding your professional network

Program Alumni

'Innovate to Grow helped me to clarify the real status of my innovation and better understand the R&D pathway required to progress it. It also helped me identify that my project is not simply a product-development issue but requires regulatory clarification, claims discipline, independent validation, a funding strategy and evidenced pathway. The program gave me a more structured and realistic framework for deciding what needs to happen next.'

— Rebecca Parlett, Bio Tribute Systems

Program outline

The program is made up of virtual webinars, online learning and exercises as follows:

Preparing for the program (one week prior to workshop, approximately 3-4 hours)

• You'll be given access to an on-boarding session, pre-workshop videos and materials to assist in preparing for the program
• You'll also complete a short pre-program exercise
• The time investment is approximately 3-4 hours

Program start: Workshop (10 September 2026, approximately 3.5 hours)

• The program's main compulsory component is a half-day workshop covering the program concept. You will hear from industry and research experts as well as relevant industry SMEs. Topics include trends within your industry sector, research and innovation theory, meeting the participants and a break-out session with your R&D coach
• Time investment is approximately 3.5 hours

Week 1-8: Program timeline 

• You will work through the online innovation program and exercises supported by an R&D coach and experienced innovation facilitators to develop and test your research idea and business case
• Fortnightly webinars for participant networking and guest speakers
• A final survey at completion
• Time investment is approximately 2-3 hours per week

Key program outcomes

• Refine your research idea: We'll step you through the process of turning your idea into a viable research project
• Confidential feedback: Meet with a CSIRO facilitator to discuss your program exercises and business challenges
• Coaching: Learn more about research projects and get connected to an expert with help from an R&D coach
• Build your network: You will build key contacts in your sector, including researchers and other SMEs

Who can apply

This program is open to eligible SMEs based and operating in Australia working on innovative technologies or solutions in any of these sub-sectors: 

• Breeding
• Health
• Nutrition
• Production systems and optimisation
• Digital and AI
• Sustainability and circular agri-aquaculture
• Packaging
• Enabling Indigenous-led aquaculture

Selection criteria (essential):

• A business based and operating in Australia that is registered with an ABN
• A business classified as small to medium or startup (less than 200 employees)
• A business currently, or in the early stages of, exploring R&D opportunities for their business and have an innovation idea to work on throughout the program

Please note: Businesses need to be registered and have their primary place of business within Australia (Australian subsidiary companies of foreign entities are not eligible).

Other considerations:

• A strong alignment to the purpose of the program
• A clear desire to investigate doing a R&D project

Please note

CSIRO awards places to businesses based on the strength of their application, and a clear interest and capacity to pursue research and development. For further information please visit our FAQ's.

Program flyer

• Innovate to Grow: Aquaculture flyer
• Innovate to Grow: Aquaculture flyer - accessible text

Program detail

This program will assist you in:

• Refining your innovation idea and learning how to transform it into an R&D opportunity
• Accessing tools and information for a comprehensive understanding of R&D collaboration and key considerations at each step
• Applying this knowledge to advance your technology or R&D concept
• Gaining industry insights from experts, researchers and your R&D coach
• Collaborating with like-minded SMEs and expanding your professional network

Program Alumni

'Innovate to Grow helped me to clarify the real status of my innovation and better understand the R&D pathway required to progress it. It also helped me identify that my project is not simply a product-development issue but requires regulatory clarification, claims discipline, independent validation, a funding strategy and evidenced pathway. The program gave me a more structured and realistic framework for deciding what needs to happen next.'

— Rebecca Parlett, Bio Tribute Systems

Program outline

The program is made up of virtual webinars, online learning and exercises as follows:

Preparing for the program (one week prior to workshop, approximately 3-4 hours)

• You'll be given access to an on-boarding session, pre-workshop videos and materials to assist in preparing for the program
• You'll also complete a short pre-program exercise
• The time investment is approximately 3-4 hours

Program start: Workshop (10 September 2026, approximately 3.5 hours)

• The program's main compulsory component is a half-day workshop covering the program concept. You will hear from industry and research experts as well as relevant industry SMEs. Topics include trends within your industry sector, research and innovation theory, meeting the participants and a break-out session with your R&D coach
• Time investment is approximately 3.5 hours

Week 1-8: Program timeline 

• You will work through the online innovation program and exercises supported by an R&D coach and experienced innovation facilitators to develop and test your research idea and business case
• Fortnightly webinars for participant networking and guest speakers
• A final survey at completion
• Time investment is approximately 2-3 hours per week

Key program outcomes

• Refine your research idea: We'll step you through the process of turning your idea into a viable research project
• Confidential feedback: Meet with a CSIRO facilitator to discuss your program exercises and business challenges
• Coaching: Learn more about research projects and get connected to an expert with help from an R&D coach
• Build your network: You will build key contacts in your sector, including researchers and other SMEs

Who can apply

This program is open to eligible SMEs based and operating in Australia working on innovative technologies or solutions in any of these sub-sectors: 

• Breeding
• Health
• Nutrition
• Production systems and optimisation
• Digital and AI
• Sustainability and circular agri-aquaculture
• Packaging
• Enabling Indigenous-led aquaculture

Selection criteria (essential):

• A business based and operating in Australia that is registered with an ABN
• A business classified as small to medium or startup (less than 200 employees)
• A business currently, or in the early stages of, exploring R&D opportunities for their business and have an innovation idea to work on throughout the program

Please note: Businesses need to be registered and have their primary place of business within Australia (Australian subsidiary companies of foreign entities are not eligible).

Other considerations:

• A strong alignment to the purpose of the program
• A clear desire to investigate doing a R&D project

Please note

CSIRO awards places to businesses based on the strength of their application, and a clear interest and capacity to pursue research and development. For further information please visit our FAQ's.

Program flyer

• Innovate to Grow: Aquaculture flyer PDF (2 MB)
• Innovate to Grow: Aquaculture flyer - accessible text TXT (4 KB)