CSIRO opens WA round of free agrifood innovation program

Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, has opened another focused Innovate to Grow: Agrifood program for 2025, this round focused on Western Australian small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to advance through innovation.

Applications are now open for the free eight-week online program, delivered by CSIRO with support from the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

The Innovate to Grow series of learning programs has had over 650 early-stage companies participate since launching in 2020, under a range of topics. In 2022, Innovate to Grow focused on advanced manufacturing skills, 2023 featured agrifood, and the 2024 round built on food innovation and technology.

In February, the organisation also announced it would be holding Innovate to Grow: Queensland for 2025, delivered as part of the Queensland Government funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program.

CSIRO Innovate to Grow program manager, Michelle Armistead, said the program addresses innovation needs in Western Australia's diverse agricultural landscape.

“This program opens doors for local businesses to work with researchers in a way that's straightforward and practical,” said Armistead.

“We help businesses turn their innovative ideas into real projects that can solve their everyday challenges. Our goal is to make the research world accessible so that even small businesses can partner with experts to bring their innovations to life.”

Innovate to Grow aims to bridge the gap between innovative SMEs and research organisations, helping businesses identify commercial R&D opportunities and navigate the often-complex research landscape.

DPIRD investment services manager, Peter May, said this round of the program supports the department's strategic focus on boosting agrifood innovation across regional and metropolitan areas of Western Australia.

“This initiative directly addresses the needs of agrifood businesses that may not otherwise have access to advanced research capabilities,” said May.

“The program aligns with our goal to enhance the competitiveness of WA's primary producers and food manufacturers, helping them adopt new technologies and practices that drive productivity and open new market opportunities.”

Innovate to Grow: Agrifood – WA is open to SMEs working in the following sub-sectors:

• Meat and meat product manufacturing
• Agriculture and fishing support services
• Aquaculture
• Livestock
• Beverage manufacturing
• Food product manufacturing
• Alternative proteins
• Agritech

Applications for CSIRO's Innovate to Grow: Agrifood – WA program close on 20 April 2025, and the program starts 15 May. For more information and to apply, head to csiro.au.