Innovate to Grow

Purpose and Program Overview

The Innovate to Grow program is a free, structured online capability-building initiative delivered by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop, refine and progress research and development (R&D) opportunities. It supports businesses in turning early-stage innovation concepts into viable R&D projects by providing expert guidance, tools, and frameworks to assess technical feasibility, commercial potential, and next steps in partnering with research organisations.

Since its launch in 2020, Innovate to Grow has supported hundreds of SMEs nationally and is backed by a broader CSIRO investment of around $20 million to expand SME access to R&D support programs. The program plays a strategic role in enhancing industry–research collaboration, building R&D literacy in the SME sector, and supporting innovation in priority domains such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food, technology, energy, and other sector-specific cohorts.

Key Grant Details

• Grant type: Free capability‑building and mentoring program (no direct cash grant to participants).
• Program format: Typically 8–10 week virtual, self‑paced online program with live sessions, coaching and networking.
• Application timing: Sector‑specific intakes run regularly (generally one intake per month); each intake has its own opening and closing dates published on CSIRO and partner sites.
• Eligible applicants: Australian SMEs with innovative ideas or R&D challenges in the focus sector for that intake (for example, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, food and technology).
• Funding to participants: No fee to participate; CSIRO covers program delivery costs.
• Co‑contribution: No financial co‑contribution is required; time commitment of founders or key staff is expected.
• Location: Open to Australian SMEs; some cohorts target SMEs in specific states (for example, Queensland manufacturing and agriculture/food/technology cohorts).

Priority Sectors

Innovate to Grow is delivered through sector‑specific intakes, with recent and current cohorts including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food and technology, energy, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and critical minerals. Some intakes are also tailored to specific regions (for example, Queensland manufacturing or agriculture and food technology SMEs).

Where no sector is specified for a given round, the program remains accessible to a broad range of innovation‑driven SMEs that align with the advertised theme and can demonstrate a genuine R&D opportunity or challenge suitable for collaboration with CSIRO or university researchers.

Funding Scope

Innovate to Grow is not a traditional cash grant scheme; instead, it provides in‑kind support in the form of structured training, mentoring and facilitated access to R&D expertise. Program inclusions typically cover an online learning platform, webinars and workshops, one‑to‑one or small‑group coaching, feedback on R&D concepts and facilitated introductions to researchers and potential collaborators.

Each intake runs over approximately 8–10 weeks, with participants expected to commit regular time to complete self‑paced modules and attend live or virtual sessions. Some cohorts may connect participants to follow‑on opportunities, such as CSIRO Kick‑Start, collaborative projects or other funding programs, but these subsequent funding arrangements have separate guidelines and eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria

• Small to medium‑sized enterprise (generally fewer than 200 employees) operating in Australia.
• Holds an Australian business registration (such as ABN) and operates a commercially focused business rather than a not‑for‑profit or purely research organisation.
• Has an innovative product, service, process or technology idea, or a defined R&D challenge, aligned with the sector focus of the specific intake (for example, manufacturing, agriculture/food, energy or critical minerals).
• Willing and able to commit senior staff or decision‑makers to participate in all core program activities over the 8–10 week schedule.
• Prepared to engage with CSIRO or university researchers and share sufficient non‑confidential information for assessment and mentoring purposes.

(Individual intakes may specify additional criteria such as location, sector sub‑focus or growth stage, which should be checked in the relevant intake guidelines.)

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The program supports capability‑building and project development activities rather than reimbursing specific expenses. Typical supported activities include:

• Exploring and refining innovation ideas to define clear R&D questions and objectives.
• Assessing technical feasibility, market opportunity and potential research pathways.
• Developing a structured R&D project plan, including scope, partners and next steps.
• Receiving confidential expert feedback on proposed R&D concepts through the program portal.
• Participating in coaching, mentoring and networking with CSIRO, university researchers and other SMEs.

Any subsequent R&D projects, capital equipment purchases, staff hiring or export development activities would need to be funded separately or via other grant programs and are outside the direct funding scope of Innovate to Grow.

Assessment Process

Innovate to Grow operates through competitive expressions of interest (EOIs) for each sector‑specific intake, rather than being an automatic entitlement program. EOIs are assessed to select a limited number of SMEs (for example, around 30 per cohort in some intakes) that best fit the program aims and sector focus.

While detailed scoring criteria vary by intake, assessment generally considers the strength and clarity of the innovation idea or R&D challenge, alignment with the cohort’s sector, potential impact and scalability, and the applicant’s commitment to participate fully in the program. Suitability for collaboration with CSIRO or universities and the potential for longer‑term R&D partnerships are also important considerations.

Recent Program Updates

CSIRO has announced an investment of approximately $20 million to expand SME access to R&D opportunities, including supporting an additional 600 SMEs through Innovate to Grow cohorts, starting with an Advanced Manufacturing intake. The program has continued to grow since 2020, with sector‑specific cohorts in areas such as manufacturing, energy, agriculture, food and technology and targeted regional offerings in Queensland.

Intake dates, sector themes and locations are updated regularly on the CSIRO website and partner channels, and some cohorts have shifted between 8‑week and 10‑week delivery formats to better accommodate SME schedules. Applicants should always refer to the latest intake page for current deadlines, sector scope and any minor eligibility refinements.

Application Tips

• Review the specific intake page carefully to confirm sector focus, geographic scope, eligibility criteria and time commitments before submitting an expression of interest.
• Clearly describe the innovation idea or R&D challenge, including the problem, proposed solution, target market and what you hope to learn or validate through R&D.
• Demonstrate that the business has the capability and resources to engage in R&D collaboration, even at an early stage, and that nominated participants can attend sessions and complete program activities.
• Align the application with broader government and CSIRO priorities in areas such as advanced manufacturing, energy transition, agriculture and food security, digital technologies and critical minerals where relevant.
• Prepare basic business information (ABN, key contacts, brief company and product description) in advance to streamline the EOI process and ensure consistency with other grant or R&D applications.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of CSIRO Innovate to Grow and other associated Australian government websites.