CSIRO On Accelerate Program

Program Overview

The CSIRO On Accelerate Program is a focused three-month commercialisation acceleration initiative designed to support entrepreneurial researchers and startups in translating innovative ideas into viable research-driven companies. The program aims to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to develop a solid business model and establish a clear path to market success.

Delivered by CSIRO, the program combines tailored coaching, workshops, and mentoring sessions to accelerate the commercialisation journey. It culminates in opportunities to showcase progress to investors and industry stakeholders. Grants of up to $15,000 are available to participating teams to support their development activities throughout the program.

Key Details

• Funding amount or range:
  • Grants of up to $15,000 are available to support participating teams during the program
• Application open and close dates:
  • Applications open periodically; dates vary by cohort and are announced on CSIRO’s website
• Eligible industries and business types:
  • Entrepreneurial researchers and startups focused on deep tech and research-driven innovation
  • Broadly applicable across science, technology, engineering, and health sectors
• Co-contribution or matching fund requirements:
  • No explicit co-contribution is required for grants; participation involves a commitment of team resources and time
• Location/state/territory applicability:
  • Open to Australian-based teams and companies across all states and territories

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an entrepreneurial research team or a startup ready to commercialise a research-driven innovation
• Demonstrate a clear product-market fit and commercial potential
• Commit to full participation in the three-month program, including coaching, workshops, and milestone activities
• Ability to engage in regular one-on-one sessions with CSIRO facilitators, mentors, and investors
• Capacity to attend in-person events such as bootcamp and immersion week as required

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Participation in three months of coaching, workshops, and mentoring sessions
• Development of business models and commercialisation strategies
• Activities supporting product-market validation and investor readiness
• Engagement with domain experts, mentors, and investor networks
• Preparation for pitch events and investor showcases
• Use of grant funds to support project-related expenses aligned with program objectives

Assessment Process

• The program is competitive, with up to 20 teams selected from an initial online application process
• Selection includes a two-day face-to-face bootcamp where teams demonstrate product-market fit and team strength
• Top teams from bootcamp advance to a week-long immersion program, followed by the full three-month acceleration
• Assessment criteria focus on innovation quality, team capability, market potential, and readiness to commercialise
• Final selection is made by CSIRO based on performance during bootcamp and immersion activities

Application Tips

• Clearly articulate your innovation’s market fit and commercial potential in the application.
• Demonstrate your team’s capability and commitment to the program’s time requirements.
• Prepare to engage actively in all program components, including face-to-face sessions.
• Provide evidence of progress or traction to strengthen your application.
• Highlight how the grant funding will accelerate your commercialisation milestones.
• Engage early with CSIRO contacts to clarify program expectations and fit.

Further Support

Professional grant advice is invaluable for businesses seeking to maximise their chances of success in the CSIRO On Accelerate Program. Pattens Group, with over 30 years of experience assisting Australian businesses in winning grants, offers expert guidance on eligibility, application preparation, and compliance. Consulting with Pattens ensures your application is strategically aligned and robustly supported, helping you navigate the competitive process effectively. Contact us to leverage our expertise and accelerate your innovation’s commercial journey.