The CSIRO unveils Innovate to Grow program to help small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the mining and mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) sectors.
The Innovate to Grow program offers SMEs free research and development (R&D) expertise and support, making commercial innovations more accessible.
Eligible SMEs in the mining/METS field who are in the early phases of R&D or researching a novel idea can apply to the program.
It is a 10-week online program in which seasoned academics and innovation specialists guide participants as they assess their technical or commercial difficulties, investigate R&D opportunities, and produce concrete business and funding plans.
Upon completion of the program, participants may be eligible for CSIRO facilitation help to link to research experts nationwide, as well as dollar-matched R&D funding.
CSIRO SME Collaboration Manager Dr Monika Szabo said the Innovate to Grow program was created to assist SMEs in understanding how to engage in R&D by demonstrating pathways to funding, mentoring, and a highly connected network via research organisations and their own sector.
“The Innovate to Grow program is aimed at Australian companies with less than 200 employees, and currently is offered at no cost to participants,” Dr Szabo stated.
In doing so, Dr Szabo stated that they seek to remove some of the constraints that smaller businesses experience when they want to develop an idea.
“At the completion of the program, participants will have received assistance in defining their goals, developing a business case for R&D from a university or CSIRO, and even prepare a funding proposal,” Dr Szabo added.
According to Dr Szabo, participants will have received guidance in identifying their aims, establishing a business case for R&D from a university or CSIRO, and even preparing a grant submission by the end of the program.
“Their professional networks will also receive a boost as they will connect with peers in their cohort, sector-specific mentors, and with CSIRO, which has the largest mineral resources R&D capability in the world,” she said.
In 2021, API Management, which operates the Australian Premium Iron Joint Venture, participated in the Innovate to Grow program.
API Management Principal Scientist Alan Ooi said it was a chance to update their knowledge of dealing with research organisations, available funding possibilities, and preparing for teaming with the CSIRO or other universities.
“The mining industry has big challenges, with lots of elements that need to come together, and the CSIRO are playing a key part for our research and development goals,” Dr Ooi stated.
Dr Ooi added: “We would whole-heartedly recommend the Innovation to Grow program to other mining/METs companies, especially to help them gain R&D direction for their business opportunities.”
API Management has since completed a mineral processing study on potassium recovery with CSIRO through Innovation Connections, another programme administered by CSIRO on behalf of the Australian Government that aids SMEs with research and finance.
The CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Mining/METS program begins Monday, 9 March, and is open to 20-25 SMEs. The eligibility criteria apply. Applications are due by 13 February.
 in the mining and mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) sectors.){kind=link}