Expressions of interest open year-round
About the program
Innovate to Grow is a free, 8-week online program that helps small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop and progress their research and development ideas.
Through self-paced learning, interactive webinars, guest speakers, and guidance from R&D coaches, participants gain the confidence and capability to take their next steps.
Since launching in June 2020, this program has supported more than 750 SMEs across sectors critical to Australia's economy. Within 12 months of completing the program, 23 % of participants were in discussions with research organisations or had already commenced collaborative R&D projects.
Organisations with a strong commitment to fostering Australian innovation can partner with CSIRO to support future Innovate to Grow intakes.
Ways to partner with Innovate to Grow
This page outlines the benefits and inclusions for our annual Innovate to Grow sponsorship package. We also offer a one-cohort sponsorship option for organisations seeking a more targeted level of involvement.
To learn more about the single-cohort option, please reach out to the Program Manager.
Partnership options and inclusions
Innovate to Grow offers different partnership tiers to support the delivery of sector-specific program intakes. Each option provides recognition for your organisation and opportunities to contribute to the program in ways that align with CSIRO’s policies and program needs.
The table below summarises the inclusions available at each partnership tier. Specific arrangements are confirmed during the contracting process and are subject to CSIRO policies and approval.
| Inclusions | Description | Partner $50K pa |
Sponsor $25K pa |
Supporter $10K pa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand recognition | Tiered logo and support recognition on program marketing, and in-program materials (e.g. press releases, website, social media, program platform and workshops). |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Content incorporation | Opportunity to incorporate your aligned, branded online educational content in the program's virtual learning program | ✓ | ✓ |
|
| Registered contact | Your representative(s) contact details listed in key program contacts for participants and alumni | ✓ | ✓ |
|
| Participant and alumni promotion | Your services and product options distributed to participants and alumni opting in to receive program communications | ✓ | ||
| Promotional license | Authorisation to promote Innovate to Grow sponsorship in association with CSIRO | ✓ | - |
Who can apply to be a corporate partner?
Australian organisations that operate in the following sectors:
- Banking and finance
- Professional services (including R&D tax)
- Marketing
- Digital transformation and tools
Selection criteria
To be considered, your organisation must:
- Engage with SMEs at scale
- Add value to the program
- Actively support SMEs
- Be able to provide relevant informational / educational content
What participants are saying about Innovate to Grow
Innovate to Grow has supported more than 750 SMEs across Australia. Here’s what past participants say about the experience and the value it delivered for their business:
- "Well structured and constructive feedback. An excellent learning environment. The mentoring support was excellent - very helpful and encouraging - an ability to quickly understand our requirements and then to recommend the right support." - Clive Stephens, VTARA Energy Group PTY Ltd
- "Innovate to Grow really focused me on what I needed to concentrate on for growing our business in the next 12 months. It also provided me with lots of practical experience of other [SMEs) that I learned from." - Joshua Poke, Tasmanian Oyster Company
- "It was an incredible learning experience and by far the most assured way to learn from the best. I have been incredibly appreciative of the ongoing support since then - the CSIRO Innovate to Grow program is amazing for any founders, but particularly those needing R&D education, preparation or connections." - Rebecca-Kay Francis, CommuniKids
- "Innovate to Grow is a good source of up-to-date information related to research pathways, funding and will be relevant to SMEs seeking R&D paths to extend their product or services scope." - Stanley Chong, Amplified Engineering
- "Because of the Innovate to Grow program, I was able to experience my project moving from concept to a real, tangible plan. The structured deliverables, expert mentoring, and targeted feedback helped me refine my idea and make it more realistic and actionable." Thao Nguyen, Minemet Recycling Group
Partnership prospectus
To express interest in partnering with Innovate to Grow, please complete the expression of interest form.
Our partners
Innovate to Grow is delivered in collaboration with government agencies, universities, and industry partners who share our commitment to building Australia’s innovation capability. We acknowledge the valuable contribution of our partners in supporting sector-specific cohorts and helping SMEs progress their R&D opportunities.
Expressions of interest open year-round
About the program
Innovate to Grow is a free, 8-week online program that helps small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop and progress their research and development ideas.
Through self-paced learning, interactive webinars, guest speakers, and guidance from R&D coaches, participants gain the confidence and capability to take their next steps.
Since launching in June 2020, this program has supported more than 750 SMEs across sectors critical to Australia's economy. Within 12 months of completing the program, 23 % of participants were in discussions with research organisations or had already commenced collaborative R&D projects.
Organisations with a strong commitment to fostering Australian innovation can partner with CSIRO to support future Innovate to Grow intakes.
Ways to partner with Innovate to Grow
This page outlines the benefits and inclusions for our annual Innovate to Grow sponsorship package. We also offer a one-cohort sponsorship option for organisations seeking a more targeted level of involvement.
To learn more about the single-cohort option, please reach out to the Program Manager.
Partnership options and inclusions
Innovate to Grow offers different partnership tiers to support the delivery of sector-specific program intakes. Each option provides recognition for your organisation and opportunities to contribute to the program in ways that align with CSIRO’s policies and program needs.
The table below summarises the inclusions available at each partnership tier. Specific arrangements are confirmed during the contracting process and are subject to CSIRO policies and approval.
| Inclusions | Description | Partner $50K pa |
Sponsor $25K pa |
Supporter $10K pa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand recognition | Tiered logo and support recognition on program marketing, and in-program materials (e.g. press releases, website, social media, program platform and workshops). |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Content incorporation | Opportunity to incorporate your aligned, branded online educational content in the program's virtual learning program | ✓ | ✓ |
|
| Registered contact | Your representative(s) contact details listed in key program contacts for participants and alumni | ✓ | ✓ |
|
| Participant and alumni promotion | Your services and product options distributed to participants and alumni opting in to receive program communications | ✓ | ||
| Promotional license | Authorisation to promote Innovate to Grow sponsorship in association with CSIRO | ✓ | - |
Who can apply to be a corporate partner?
Australian organisations that operate in the following sectors:
- Banking and finance
- Professional services (including R&D tax)
- Marketing
- Digital transformation and tools
Selection criteria
To be considered, your organisation must:
- Engage with SMEs at scale
- Add value to the program
- Actively support SMEs
- Be able to provide relevant informational / educational content
What participants are saying about Innovate to Grow
Innovate to Grow has supported more than 750 SMEs across Australia. Here’s what past participants say about the experience and the value it delivered for their business:
- "Well structured and constructive feedback. An excellent learning environment. The mentoring support was excellent - very helpful and encouraging - an ability to quickly understand our requirements and then to recommend the right support." - Clive Stephens, VTARA Energy Group PTY Ltd
- "Innovate to Grow really focused me on what I needed to concentrate on for growing our business in the next 12 months. It also provided me with lots of practical experience of other [SMEs) that I learned from." - Joshua Poke, Tasmanian Oyster Company
- "It was an incredible learning experience and by far the most assured way to learn from the best. I have been incredibly appreciative of the ongoing support since then - the CSIRO Innovate to Grow program is amazing for any founders, but particularly those needing R&D education, preparation or connections." - Rebecca-Kay Francis, CommuniKids
- "Innovate to Grow is a good source of up-to-date information related to research pathways, funding and will be relevant to SMEs seeking R&D paths to extend their product or services scope." - Stanley Chong, Amplified Engineering
- "Because of the Innovate to Grow program, I was able to experience my project moving from concept to a real, tangible plan. The structured deliverables, expert mentoring, and targeted feedback helped me refine my idea and make it more realistic and actionable." Thao Nguyen, Minemet Recycling Group
Partnership prospectus
- Download partnership prospectus PDF (163 KB)
- Download partnership prospectus - accessible text TXT (3 KB)
To express interest in partnering with Innovate to Grow, please complete the expression of interest form.
Our partners
Innovate to Grow is delivered in collaboration with government agencies, universities, and industry partners who share our commitment to building Australia’s innovation capability. We acknowledge the valuable contribution of our partners in supporting sector-specific cohorts and helping SMEs progress their R&D opportunities.