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Important statistics

2/3 businesses

created intellectual property

2/3 of businesses

introduced new or improved products or processes

87% of businesses

developed ongoing relationships with the research organisation

3/4 businesses

noted an improvement (or expected improvement) in the skills of their workforce

Case studies

Deakin University

Deakin University has undertaken 82 Innovations Connections projects with small and medium businesses, helping develop and commercialise a diverse range of new products and services.

The University of Queensland

Innovation Connections has enjoyed a long history of working with The University of Queensland to support Australian SMEs, delivering 121 research projects together over the past nine years.

University of Newcastle

Over the last eight years, the University of Newcastle has partnered with 117 small and medium businesses (SMEs) to deliver 167 projects through the Innovation Connections program, making them the number one university in Australia for industry collaboration through this scheme.

University of Technology Sydney

Through the Innovations Connections program, the University of Technology Sydney has partnered with 84 different small or medium businesses on 126 projects, delivering outcomes from faster crop cloning to a more sustainable pint.

Other sectors we support

Food and Agribusiness success stories

Innovation Connections is a facilitated service to assist small and medium-sized-businesses in establishing research priorities, locating researchers and providing access to funding to fast-track R&D projects in food and agribusiness.

Advanced manufacturing success stories

Innovation Connections is a facilitated service to assist small and medium-sized-businesses in establishing research priorities, locating researchers and providing access to funding to fast-track R&D projects. One of the sectors we support through this program is advanced manufacturing.

Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals success stories

Innovation Connections is a facilitated service to assist small and medium-sized-businesses in establishing research priorities, locating researchers and providing access to funding to fast-track R&D projects. One of the sectors we support through this program is medical technologies and pharmaceuticals.

Mining equipment, technology and services success stories

Innovation Connections is a facilitated service to assist small and medium-sized-businesses in establishing research priorities, locating researchers and providing access to funding to fast-track R&D projects in mining equipment, technology and services.

Oil, gas, and energy resources success stories

Innovation Connections is a facilitated service to assist small and medium-sized-businesses in establishing research priorities, locating researchers and providing access to funding to fast-track R&D projects. One of the sectors we support through this program is oil, gas, and energy resources.

More information

Innovation Connections

Innovation Connections is a free one-on-one facilitated service to assist small and medium-sized businesses by establishing research priorities, locating researchers and providing access to funding to fast-track R&D projects.

Programs for SMEs

Whether you’re a start-up or small to medium sized business, there’s an R&D opportunity for you.

Contact us

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