Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, has launched its latest Innovate to Grow round, a free eight-week research and development (R&D) training program, with this round focused on supporting Queensland SMEs.
Delivered as part of the Queensland Government funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, Innovate to Grow: Circular Economy and Sustainability, is the latest round of a long-running program supporting businesses across Australia – including a Queensland focused round last year.
Innovate to Grow guides businesses through developing and implementing R&D strategies and provides support from experienced researchers and industry mentors. CSIRO announced its first 2026 round in January, focusing on Farm and Food Technology.
CSIRO SME Connect director, Dr George Feast, said growing interest in circular economy approaches was creating new opportunities for Queensland businesses to innovate.
"Businesses across Queensland are exploring how to reduce waste, extend the life of materials and build more sustainable operations – and many of them have great ideas with commercial potential,” said Feast.
“The challenge is often knowing how to take that next step. CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program gives SMEs the structured support and connections to turn those ideas into a clear R&D plan, backed by the expertise to act on it.”
CSIRO's Innovate to Grow: Circular Economy and Sustainability is open to Queensland SMEs developing or supplying solutions in:
- Manufacturing
- Transport
- Energy, solar, wind turbines, batteries
- Construction materials
- Agriculture, food and beverage
- Reducing plastic waste
- Mining and METS
- Digital, robotics and AI
Queensland chief scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, said the program reflected the Queensland Government’s commitment to support local businesses to partner with regional universities to commercialise research.
"Queensland businesses across the state are generating ideas grounded in science and emerging research to address important and complex sustainability issues,” said Wilson.
“Programs such as CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow provide SMEs with research expertise, technical knowledge and collaborative networks to turn ideas into practical and impactful outcomes.”
Applications are now open, and close on 26 April 2026. Head to csiro.au for more information and to apply.
