News in brief:
– CSIRO launches Innovate to Grow, an agrifood program in Western Australia that offers SMEs a chance to boost agrifood innovation.
– The program provides mentorship, education on R&D, and practical pathways for SMEs to translate ideas into successful ventures.
Australia’s leading scientific institution, CSIRO, has introduced a promising opportunity for small to medium-sized agrifood enterprises in Western Australia (WA) to spearhead innovation in the sector.
The programme “Innovate to Grow”, an agrifood initiative, is a collaborative effort between CSIRO and the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), is now open for applications.
This initiative is tailored for startups and SMEs in WA, aiming to harness the vast agricultural potential of the state, covering 71 million hectares of land and supporting various agricultural activities including broadacre farming, intensive agriculture, and aquaculture.
Unlocking innovation potential through mentorship, collaboration, and funding
Dr. George Feast, CSIRO SME Connect Deputy Director, emphasised the program’s transformative nature, offering businesses a platform to translate ideas into tangible research and development (R&D) opportunities. He highlighted the program’s educational component, providing insights into the importance of R&D in bolstering business strategies and offering practical pathways to navigate the innovation pipeline.
Scheduled to commence on 11 April 2024, the 10-week online program will facilitate collaboration with mentors from CSIRO or universities, addressing both technical and business challenges. Participants will explore R&D prospects, understand the dynamics of partnering with research organisations, and learn to craft compelling R&D funding applications.
Amanda Falconer, Founder of Bestie Kitchen, lauded the program’s accessibility and its role in demystifying research collaborations for small enterprises. Following her participation in the program, Bestie Kitchen successfully navigated the CSIRO innovation ecosystem and secured R&D funding to develop scientifically-backed pet food and supplements.
The program is open to SMEs operating in various sub-sectors, including meat and meat product manufacturing, agriculture and fishing support services, aquaculture, livestock, beverage manufacturing, and food product manufacturing. Interested parties are urged to apply before the deadline on Sunday, 17 March 2024.
To learn more about Innovate to Grow and other opportunities for SMEs, visit the CSIRO website for application details.
