Frequently asked questions: For SMEs

Activities to create or test new products or procedures where the outcome is unknown. This can include research into a new idea with commercial potential, the development of a novel or improved product or process, and/or testing of a novel product to inform R&D activities.

Please note, testing for accreditation or certification services are not considered R&D activities but may still be undertaken in collaboration with R&D institutions. Applicants are encouraged to bring these activities to the program to explore their R&D potential.

If you’re unsure if your idea can be advanced with R&D, please talk to the team.

 

 

If there is a program is open, there will be a box at the top of our Innovate to Grow webpage with an option to click ‘Apply now’. Application forms are open for 4 weeks. If there’s no program currently open, you can subscribe to be notified about the next program in your sector. Look for the subscribe link under the heading ‘How and when to apply’.

 

No. This program is for businesses who are planning to do R&D or want to explore if there is a potential R&D project. There are other programs more suitable for people ready for commercialisation, such as accelerators.

 

 Yes. The program is designed around you working on a research challenge and exploring collaboration options throughout the program.

 

 

TRL 1-6 are most suited to this program. If you’re not sure about suitability, please talk to the team.

Visit 'Understanding your Technology Readiness Level' to learn more.

No. Thanks to CSIRO and cohort partners and sponsors, Innovate to Grow is currently offered at no cost to participants.

 

 

No, all meetings are hosted virtually on Zoom. This enables SMEs and R&D coaches from all around Australia to be included.

 

 

An estimated two-three hours per week will allow you to gain the most beneficial outcomes from the program.

Throughout the program, you can expect to engage with:

• Guest speakers from CSIRO, universities, sector experts and SMEs
• R&D coaches from CSIRO or universities
• CSIRO facilitators
• Fellow SME participants

The program runs for 8 weeks and is made up of virtual webinars and learning material as follows:

• Preparing for the program (3-4 hours): Participants will be provided with an onboarding session, a pre-program exercise, videos and reading materials to assist in preparing for the program.
• Virtual Workshop (3.5 hours): The program's main component is a half-day virtual workshop. Participants will hear from CSIRO industry and research experts as well as relevant industry SMEs. Key topics include trends within your industry sector, a discussion with a collaborating SME, and current funding opportunities for R&D.

• Week 1-8: Innovation program (2-3 hours per week): Participants will work through three program exercises at their own pace, meet with an assigned R&D coach and CSIRO facilitator, and enjoy fortnightly webinars with guest speakers.

 

• Connections to relevant research expertise and capabilities
• Opportunities to grow your network through key contacts in your sector
• Tools and feedback to help you make informed decisions about the idea you've been working on, i.e. would you benefit from R&D or can you complete the project using other means (consultant or manufacturer), plus an idea of the funds, lead time and expertise needed to carry out your project and where to find them when you’re ready
• Personalised support and feedback as you work through the program exercises that help you develop your R&D roadmap and funding strategy and decide on the next steps.

 

Access to the Practera platform will be provided following the participant onboarding and remain open for approximately 11 weeks.

You must have:

• An Australian owned and operating business with an ABN
• A business classified as micro, small or medium (less than 200 employees)
• A research idea / challenge that fits within the sector of the advertised program

You can contact us to discuss any criteria you aren't sure about or will be eligible for soon. You should also check the criteria on the application form of any program you apply for in case of changes.

 

The role of the coach is to meet with you (virtually) to understand your potential research idea and help you discover what expert help you may require. They can provide advice on the research process, how long it can take, and some of the steps involved.

They can make introductions to experts from CSIRO or universities that may be able to assist you with your project plans.

We ask for researcher volunteers from CSIRO and universities. Where possible we try to match you with someone in a capability area closely related to what you’re working on.

The coaches collaborate during the program to ensure you have access to the right experts.

Mentors will make themselves available for the 10 weeks of the program, so you are encouraged to make the most of their availability to meet during this time.

In some cases, the mentor is working in the right area to progress the idea with you and their team, so it will be the beginning of a longer relationship.

In other cases, mentors and participants with shared interests have continued to meet occasionally to discuss their projects and the latest in the field. This is optional for those who connect well and have interest in an ongoing connection.

Yes, coaches are expected to keep any information you share with them within the program, unless you provide permission otherwise. That would usually include some discussions with other program coaches and facilitators to find you the best outcome, particularly with researcher introductions.

You can request they don’t share any details, but this will limit your opportunities.

 

No, they cannot provide business advice, such as whether an idea should be pursued, or which of your ideas would be the best investment for your business.

That is the job of a business or financial adviser.

No. Your coach is there to help you understand and navigate the R&D sector. If your innovation falls within their area of expertise, they may be willing to discuss your research options with you in further technical detail to understand viability of an R&D project for their team, but this will be outside the scope of the Innovate to Grow program. This also applies to the expert research connections your coach may make on your behalf throughout the program.

They are an important mechanism for learning during the program and will help you develop your research idea into a potential R&D project.

You’ll work on four program exercises and submit them via the Practera app. An experienced CSIRO facilitator will reach out to you after submitting exercises 1 and 2.

Each exercise includes instructions, a template and an example.

• Pre-program exercise: Innovation Canvas Score Sheet
• Exercise 1: Defining your R&D Project
• Exercise 2: Project roadmap and Funding Strategy
• Exercise 3: Priorities and Actions.

 

No, however the exercises can help you get the most out of your Innovate to Grow experience. They are tools to effectively develop your idea, and to receive more specific expert feedback from the program facilitators.

No. Working on the exercises is your responsibility and an important part of your learning. You can download and share them with your coach or research experts you're introduced to.

 

Yes. If you participate in all webinars, read and watch the content on Practera, and meet with your coach and facilitator, you will also be able to complete the program.

 

Yes, anything you work on during the program remains your own IP and is shared privately with the facilitator for feedback. No one else can access what you submit or the feedback provided.

No, the deliverables are set up securely in Practera so the only people who have access are the SME and the facilitator who provides feedback. They cannot be viewed or shared with anyone unless the SME downloads them and chooses to share them. 

Only your CSIRO facilitator and the program team have access to exercises within Practera. If you wish to share exercises or feedback with anyone else, you will need to download the documents.

 

The Innovate to Grow facilitators are experienced CSIRO team members who will support you during the program by:

• Reviewing your program exercises
• Arranging meetings with you to provide feedback after you submit exercise 1 and 2
• Answering questions and providing guidance on your business proposition, R&D project plan, the innovation ecosystem and more.

 

All facilitators are CSIRO team members with experience and knowledge on helping SMEs engage with publicly-funded research organisations, funding options, collaborative R&D, and business facilitation.

 

Your CSIRO facilitator will offer you a meeting after you submit exercise 1 and after you submit exercise 2. Your facilitator will provide feedback on your program exercises and give you the opportunity to ask questions. You may get in touch with your facilitator to request an additional meeting if necessary.

 

Yes, anything you work on during the program remains your IP.

 

No. We encourage participants to practice describing their business and R&D ideas at a high level that doesn’t reveal confidential information. This skill will be useful when talking to researchers and investors. When you want to start a project and need to go into more detail, you can discuss if an NDA is required. Most research institutions would have a template for this and can assist with the process.

 

No. There is no funding associated with the Innovate to Grow program. The program has a webinar on funding opportunities that will go into detail about things you may be eligible to apply for. Exercise 2 is also helpful with planning funding applications and provides an opportunity for feedback.

 

No, however, the work you do (particularly the exercises) during the program will strengthen your R&D plan and show your commitment to doing R&D. You should check the eligibility guidelines for other CSIRO programs on the website.