Australia's innovation ecosystem thrives when researchers and small businesses collaborate effectively. As an R&D coach in CSIRO's Innovate to Grow program, you'll guide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they navigate the complex journey from idea to innovation.
Your expertise will help participants understand the research environment and connect them with experts to continue their journey after the program.
By joining our R&D coaching community, you'll also enhance your own professional development. Our program provides a structured environment to develop coaching and advisory capabilities, including vital skills in communication, problem-solving, and networking - all with support from experienced CSIRO program facilitators.
You'll gain valuable experience translating complex scientific knowledge into practical industry applications while building new connections with innovative businesses and fellow research experts.
What is the role of an R&D coach?
A highlight of the program is to connect SMEs with R&D coaches, to help them understand:
- How to convert their idea into a research question
- How to work with publicly funded research organisations (including general information about timing and expectations)
- Connect SMEs to relevant researchers for expert advice on their idea and potential applications
- Work collaboratively with other mentors and facilitators to assist the participants
Who can apply?
People working as researchers or working closely with research teams within CSIRO or at Australian universities.
Time investment
R&D coaches are assigned 3 - 4 SMEs to work with but will be introduced to the whole group and work as a team with other coaches. We estimate you will need 1 - 2 hours per week across the 8-week period.
Innovate to Grow participation timeline
Learn more: Download our R&D coach flyer
Australia's innovation ecosystem thrives when researchers and small businesses collaborate effectively. As an R&D coach in CSIRO's Innovate to Grow program, you'll guide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they navigate the complex journey from idea to innovation.
Your expertise will help participants understand the research environment and connect them with experts to continue their journey after the program.
By joining our R&D coaching community, you'll also enhance your own professional development. Our program provides a structured environment to develop coaching and advisory capabilities, including vital skills in communication, problem-solving, and networking - all with support from experienced CSIRO program facilitators.
You'll gain valuable experience translating complex scientific knowledge into practical industry applications while building new connections with innovative businesses and fellow research experts.
What is the role of an R&D coach?
A highlight of the program is to connect SMEs with R&D coaches, to help them understand:
- How to convert their idea into a research question
- How to work with publicly funded research organisations (including general information about timing and expectations)
- Connect SMEs to relevant researchers for expert advice on their idea and potential applications
- Work collaboratively with other mentors and facilitators to assist the participants
Who can apply?
People working as researchers or working closely with research teams within CSIRO or at Australian universities.
Time investment
R&D coaches are assigned 3 - 4 SMEs to work with but will be introduced to the whole group and work as a team with other coaches. We estimate you will need 1 - 2 hours per week across the 8-week period.
Innovate to Grow participation timeline
Mentor participation process includes: Step 1: Onboarding session (important) - attend onboarding session (1hr). Step 2: Workshop (4hr) - attend workshop session (40min - essential) to meet your allocated SMEs. Remainder of workshop optional. Step 3: Week 2 - Attend fortnightly program meeting with program team (30min). Attend webinar 1 (1hr, optional). Step 4: Week 4 - Attend fortnightly program meeting with program team (30min). Attend webinar 2 (1hr, optional). Step 5: Week 6 - Attend fortnightly program meeting with program team (30min). Attend webinar 3 (1hr, optional). Step 6: Week 8 - Attend fortnightly program meeting with program team (30min). Attend webinar 4 (1hr, optional). Step 7: End of program. Certificate issued.