Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is spearheading the advancement of Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector by providing businesses with free research and development (R&D) support to drive innovation in their products and services.
Recognising the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving advancements in advanced manufacturing, CSIRO has launched the online Innovate to Grow program, a 10-week intensive initiative aimed at equipping SMEs with the necessary R&D knowledge to bolster their ideas.
By participating in the Innovate to Grow program, SMEs involved in pioneering advanced manufacturing solutions can tap into a wealth of resources and expertise to refine their concepts.
Upon successfully completing the program, eligible participants may be granted access to facilitation support provided by CSIRO. This support enables them to connect with research experts across the nation, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Furthermore, participants may also be eligible for dollar-matched R&D funding, boosting their financial capabilities to bring their innovative ideas to fruition.
The Innovate to Grow program is specifically designed to cater to SMEs operating in various sub-sectors within advanced manufacturing. These sub-sectors include digital solutions and smart robotics, additive manufacturing, advanced materials and processes, quantum technology, mechatronics design and engineering, and biomedical manufacturing.
By encompassing such diverse domains, CSIRO aims to provide comprehensive support to SMEs across a broad spectrum of advanced manufacturing disciplines.
Scheduled to commence on August 10, CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing program is currently accepting applications from SMEs. With a limited capacity to accommodate up to 25 participants, interested businesses are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date of July 17, 2023, to secure their spot in this transformative initiative.
Dr Marcus Zipper, CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing, underlines the agency’s unique position within the research ecosystem, emphasising its commitment to driving innovation and advancing the field of Australian manufacturing.
“Manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia,” Dr Zipper said.
“At CSIRO, we work collaboratively with SMEs on research and development to find new and improved technologies and processes that enable great ideas to see success locally and internationally.
“We translate research into products and processes that businesses want to adopt because what we’ve created is economically viable, more efficient and effective, and sustainable,” he said.
Connop Metal owner Murray Connop, a participant in the 2022 Innovate to Grow manufacturing cohort has recently made headlines for developing a world-first method of analysing the chemical compositions of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)to make it recyclable – right here in Australia.
Mr Connop said the program provided invaluable connections to industry experts.
“Thanks to the Innovate to Grow program, I gained the vital contacts and support needed to determine the feasibility of my project,” Mr Connop said.
“I wholeheartedly recommend this program to fellow start-ups and small businesses in advanced manufacturing. The invaluable connection to industry experts provided by this program has played a significant role in the success of my project.”
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