Another great news for Queensland’s small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They now have an exciting opportunity to strengthen their innovation capabilities through the recently launched Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program. Delivered by the CSIRO and funded by the Queensland Government, the RUIC program is designed to assist academia and industry, helping SMEs turn advanced research into real-world applications.
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What the RUIC Program Offers
The RUIC program offers a suite of benefits tailored to support SMEs in developing and commercialising their research and development (R&D) projects. Some of the benefits are as follows:
- Free R&D training & facilitation services
- Up to $50,000 in dollar-matched funding for mutual projects
- Gain access to local events of networking with key industry players and academic researchers networking events with key industry players and academic researchers
Dr. George Feast, Deputy Director of CSIRO’s SME Connect team, emphasised the importance of this program for fostering regional innovation, particularly in a state as geographically and climatically diverse as Queensland.
“With a dispersed population and diverse climates, Queensland is a fantastic base for innovation,”
Dr Feast also stated:
“The RUIC program is designed to boost potential by providing SMEs with the skills and resources they need to turn their ideas into impactful solutions at all stages of their innovation journey.”
Collaborating with Leading Universities
The RUIC program builds essential links between SMEs and four major Queensland universities:
- James Cook University
- Central Queensland University
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of the Sunshine Coast
These above-mentioned universities bring plenty of knowledge, offering advanced research capabilities that small and medium enterprises can tap into. RUIC aims to drive innovation forward and wants to achieve economic benefits for the local communities by enhancing partnerships and collaborations between academic researchers & business leaders.
Professor Kerrie Wilson, Queensland’s Chief Scientist, highlighted the critical role universities play in the success of these collaborations.
“Universities play a significant role in regional innovation ecosystems, providing employment, education, and training opportunities,” Professor Wilson remarked. “By empowering regional communities to access the latest advances in science, we can deliver better, stronger research outcomes for all Queenslanders.“
How Queensland SMEs Will Benefit from the RUIC Program
The RUIC program is anticipated to help the SMEs at different stages of their R&D progress. No matter if a business is just beginning to explore a new project or is ready to scale and commercialise an idea, there are many support options available.
According to Dr Anna Daniel, RUIC Program Facilitator, SMEs in the early stages of development can benefit from an eight-week free R&D training program, which helps them refine their research questions with expert guidance.
“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses in the early stages of the R&D process to refine their research question with guidance from our program facilitators,”
Dr. Daniel also said.
“For those more advanced with their ideas, there is also the opportunity to access up to $50,000 in dollar-matched funding to support collaborative projects with one of our world-class regional university partners.”
RUIC Program is a Priority Industries and Manufacturing Focus
The RUIC program has a specific focus on enhancing innovation in the manufacturing sector of Queensland. SMEs working in areas such as manufacturing materials and processes, digital manufacturing, energy and batteries, biomedical manufacturing, robotics, and food and beverage manufacturing are particularly encouraged to participate.
This emphasis on manufacturing aligns with broader trends in Queensland, where industry leaders are ambitious to modernise production processes and improve the efficiency. The RUIC program offers a strategic advantage for businesses in this sector by providing access to the latest research and technological innovations.
Expressions of interest are now open for SMEs interested in collaborative projects with researchers from Queensland’s regional universities, particularly in manufacturing sub-sectors such as:
- Digital manufacturing
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Biomedical manufacturing
- Robotics
- Industrial manufacturing
RUIC Program is Encouraging Cross-Industry Innovation
Beyond manufacturing, the RUIC program also serves a wide range of other industries, including agriculture, space technologies, Indigenous science, and artificial intelligence (AI). By opening the door to R&D partnerships across these fields, the program encourages cross-industry collaboration and knowledge sharing, which can spark new ideas and solutions.
For example, businesses in the agricultural sector could work together with university researchers to develop more sustainable farming practices or innovative technologies aimed at improving yield and reducing waste. Likewise, technology start-ups could power university partnerships to increase product development in areas like AI or space technologies.
How to Apply For the RUIC Program
Eligible SMEs must be based in Queensland and meet specific criteria to participate in the RUIC program. This includes being actively in business for at least 6 months and having a project that will expand their business, either by tapping into new markets or enhancing their export potential. Additionally, projects must be capable of being completed within 03 months of receiving the grant offer.
The program offers a smooth application process, and expressions of interest are currently open for businesses looking to engage in collaborative R&D projects. Applications are also open for the eight-week R&D training program specifically designed for SMEs in the manufacturing sector.
Why You Should Apply Now for RUIC Program
Queensland state is perfectly positioned to lead the way in regional innovation, and the RUIC program represents a rare opportunity for SMEs to gain the funding, training, and research support they need to make their projects a reality. With expert facilitation, access to top university researchers, and the potential for dollar-matched funding, this program is a must for any SME looking to accelerate its growth through R&D.
As Warwick Pawsey, Partnership Development Manager at CQUniversity, pointed out:
“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses in the early stages of the R&D process to partner with experts that can guide and help fund the process.”
Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your business’s R&D capabilities. Expressions of interest are now open, and spaces are limited, so act quickly to secure your place in this groundbreaking program.
For more information on how to apply, visit the CSIRO website and explore how the RUIC program can drive your business’s innovation journey.
