Key Takeaways

• CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow programme launches on March 14, 2024, targeting SMEs in digital health and medical technologies.
• The 10-week online programme offers mentorship from CSIRO or university experts to help participants tackle business and technical challenges.
• Eligible SMEs may also qualify for matched R&D funding through the CSIRO Kick-Start programme.

Introduction to Innovate to Grow

Australia’s national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), is inviting startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to apply for its Innovate to Grow programme commencing on March 14, 2024. This initiative aims to support Australian SMEs focused on digital health and medical technologies in advancing their innovations.

Programme Overview

The Innovate to Grow programme is a free, 10-week online course tailored for SMEs in critical sectors, providing assistance in research and development (R&D) efforts. Selected participants will collaborate with mentors from CSIRO or academic institutions to address various technical and business challenges. The programme emphasizes exploring R&D opportunities, gaining insights into potential partnerships with research organisations, and learning how to draft effective R&D funding applications.

Liz Crompton, SME Connect Programme Advisor at CSIRO, stated, “To date, Innovate to Grow has equipped over 500 businesses with the knowledge and tools to advance their ideas.” Many alumni have successfully initiated R&D projects with organisations like CSIRO within a year of completing the programme.

Eligibility and Focus Areas

The programme is open to a limited number of SMEs operating in specific sub-sectors, including:
– Digital Health: Therapeutics and care; Health system analytics; Biomedical informatics and data modelling.
– Medical Technology: Diagnostics, biosensors, and biomedical devices; Drug discovery; Vaccines and biologic therapeutics.

Participants of the programme may also qualify for dollar-matched R&D funding through the CSIRO Kick-Start programme, further aiding their innovation journey.

In summary, the Innovate to Grow programme presents a significant opportunity for Australian SMEs in the digital health and medical technologies sectors to benefit from expert mentorship, collaborative R&D support, and potential funding, fostering innovation and enhancing business capabilities in a rapidly evolving market.

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