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, hearing from experts, researchers and your R&D coach.
- Collaborating with like-minded SMEs and expanding your professional network.
Program alumni
"CSIRO was outstanding in understanding the research field and requirements for development and commercialisation activities and I immediately made connections within CSIRO and other participants to assist with progressing the technology. The specialist advice from topic experts was fantastic!"
Dr Ebbe Dommisse, Iondrive
Course outline
The program is made up of virtual webinars and online learning as follows:
Preparing for the program (one week before workshop, approximately 3-4 hours)
- Participants will be provided with an on-boarding session, pre-workshop videos and reading materials to assist in preparing for the program.
- Time commitment is approximately 3 - 4 hours.
Week 1: Workshop (Start date 16 October 2025, approximately 4 hours)
- The program's main compulsory component is a half-day workshop covering the program concept. Participants will hear from CSIRO industry and research experts as well as relevant industry SMEs. Key topics include trends within your industry sector, a panel discussion with collaborating SMEs, and current funding opportunities for R&D.
- Time commitment is approximately 4 hours.
Week 2-8: Self-paced innovation program
- Participants will work through the online innovation program at their own pace, supported by an R&D coach and experienced innovation facilitators to develop and test their research idea and business case.
- Fortnightly webinars for participant networking and guest speakers.
- A final survey at completion.
- Time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours per week.
Key program outcomes
- Personalised support to refine your idea: We'll step you through the process of turning your idea into a viable research project.
- Confidential feedback: All submissions through the program portal will receive prompt expert feedback.
- Coaching: You will be provided with a R&D coach paired with a researcher from CSIRO or a university to answer your questions about working on R&D projects and to help find an expert in the sector to introduce you to.
- Build your network: You will build key contacts in your sector, including researchers and other SMEs.
Key program outputs
- Identify strengths and weaknesses of your business idea.
- Build your R&D project plan.
- Develop your project roadmap and funding strategy.
- Review your business idea and create a list of priorities and actions.
Who can apply
This program is open to eligible SMEs working on innovative technologies or solutions in any of these sub-sectors:
- Discovery
- Hard rock mining
- Processing
- Sensing and sorting
- Characterisation
- Sustainable mining technologies
- Battery technology
- Other
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 course.
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 program objectives.
- 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 FAQs for SMEs.
Program flyer
Contact Innovate to Grow
Contact InnovateToGrow@csiro.au for assistance and more information.
CSIRO Innovate to Grow is delivered using Practera's online ed-tech platform and facilitation services.
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, hearing from experts, researchers and your R&D coach.
- Collaborating with like-minded SMEs and expanding your professional network.
Program alumni
"CSIRO was outstanding in understanding the research field and requirements for development and commercialisation activities and I immediately made connections within CSIRO and other participants to assist with progressing the technology. The specialist advice from topic experts was fantastic!"
Dr Ebbe Dommisse, Iondrive
Course outline
The program is made up of virtual webinars and online learning as follows:
Preparing for the program (one week before workshop, approximately 3-4 hours)
- Participants will be provided with an on-boarding session, pre-workshop videos and reading materials to assist in preparing for the program.
- Time commitment is approximately 3 - 4 hours.
Week 1: Workshop (Start date 16 October 2025, approximately 4 hours)
- The program's main compulsory component is a half-day workshop covering the program concept. Participants will hear from CSIRO industry and research experts as well as relevant industry SMEs. Key topics include trends within your industry sector, a panel discussion with collaborating SMEs, and current funding opportunities for R&D.
- Time commitment is approximately 4 hours.
Week 2-8: Self-paced innovation program
- Participants will work through the online innovation program at their own pace, supported by an R&D coach and experienced innovation facilitators to develop and test their research idea and business case.
- Fortnightly webinars for participant networking and guest speakers.
- A final survey at completion.
- Time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours per week.
Key program outcomes
- Personalised support to refine your idea: We'll step you through the process of turning your idea into a viable research project.
- Confidential feedback: All submissions through the program portal will receive prompt expert feedback.
- Coaching: You will be provided with a R&D coach paired with a researcher from CSIRO or a university to answer your questions about working on R&D projects and to help find an expert in the sector to introduce you to.
- Build your network: You will build key contacts in your sector, including researchers and other SMEs.
Key program outputs
- Identify strengths and weaknesses of your business idea.
- Build your R&D project plan.
- Develop your project roadmap and funding strategy.
- Review your business idea and create a list of priorities and actions.
Who can apply
This program is open to eligible SMEs working on innovative technologies or solutions in any of these sub-sectors:
- Discovery
- Hard rock mining
- Processing
- Sensing and sorting
- Characterisation
- Sustainable mining technologies
- Battery technology
- Other
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 course.
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 program objectives.
- 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 FAQs for SMEs.
Program flyer
- Innovate to Grow: Critical Minerals PDF (541 KB)
- Innovate to Grow: Critical Minerals - accessible text TXT (3 KB)
Contact Innovate to Grow
Contact InnovateToGrow@csiro.au for assistance and more information.
CSIRO Innovate to Grow is delivered using Practera's online ed-tech platform and facilitation services.