CSIRO kicks off year with free foodtech program for SMEs

Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, has launched the latest round of its Innovate to Grow program, a free eight-week program to support small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop research-driven solutions. The first round of 2026 will focus on Farm and Food Technology.

Since launching in 2020, CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow has supported more than 750 SMEs across a range of sectors. The program provides participants with expert facilitators, self-paced learning modules and networking opportunities to turn emerging ideas into actionable research plans.

Past modules have focused on advanced manufacturing skills, agrifood, food innovation and technology, and digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). Last year also introduced region specific iterations of the program, including Innovate to Grow: Queensland, delivered as part of the Queensland Government funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, and Innovate to Grow: Western Australia, with support from the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

CSIRO senior principal food material scientist, Dr Ingrid Appelqvist, said the Farm and Food Technology round comes at a pivotal time for the sector – as new digital, biological and advanced manufacturing technologies reshape Australia's food system.

“We're seeing rapid transformation across farm and food technology, including advances in areas like AI and process digitisation,” said Appelqvist.

“SMEs play an important role in this transformation, but many are still navigating how to progress early-stage ideas, reduce risk and access the right expertise. Innovate to Grow gives them the tools, networks and confidence to turn emerging opportunities into well-defined R&D pathways.

“From sustainability and waste optimisation to new value-add products and more resilient supply chains, Australian food and agriculture businesses are well-positioned to lead — and programs like this help them get there.”

CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Farm and Food Technology is suitable for SMEs developing or supplying solutions in;

• Agritech and AI
• Food and beverage manufacturing, packaging and transport
• Livestock and aquaculture
• Value-add products
• Waste optimisation and recycling
• Energy reduction and circular economy
• Other emerging farm and food technology applications.

Applications are now open and close 15 February 2026. Head to csiro.au for more information and to apply.