CSIRO's R&D program for advanced manufacturing SMEs

CSIRO is providing research and development (R&D) support to businesses to help them develop new products or services. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on new advanced manufacturing solutions can sign up to the free, 10-week online Innovate to Grow program, to support the idea by building R&D knowledge.

Upon completion of the program, eligible participants may be given the opportunity to access facilitation support through CSIRO, to connect to research expertise nationally, along with dollar-matched R&D funding.

Marcus Zipper, CSIRO Director of Manufacturing, explained how CSIRO’s position in the research ecosystem drives innovation to advance Australian manufacturing.

He said the manufacturing sector is vitally important, employing over 800,000 people across Australia. CSIRO works with SMEs on research and development to find new and improved technologies and processes.

“We translate research into products and processes that businesses want to adopt because what we’ve created is economically viable, more efficient and effective and sustainable,” Zipper said.

Murray Connop, owner of Connop Metal, participated in the 2022 Innovate to Grow manufacturing cohort. He has recently made headlines for developing a world-first method of analysing the chemical compositions of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to make it recyclable.

Connop said the program played a significant role in the success of his project and provided him with the vital contacts and support needed to determine the feasibility of his project.

Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing is open to SMEs working in the following sub-sectors:

• Digital solutions and Smart robotics
• Additive manufacturing
• Advanced materials and processes
• Quantum technology
• Mechatronics design and engineering
• Biomedical manufacturing

CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing program, commencing 10 August, is available for up to 25 SMEs. Applications close 17 July 2023.