Innovate to Grow program: Agrifood

Applications are open for a free 10-week program for small- to medium‑sized 
enterprises (SMEs) working on innovative ideas in agriculture and food and 
exploring how research and development (R&D) can advance their project 
or idea.

Build your R&D idea 

SMEs play a key role in growing Australia’s agriculture and 
food industry, but taking an R&D idea and turning this into 
reality can sometimes be a daunting prospect.

Our free self-paced 10-week program will build your skills 
to help you refine your innovation idea and turn this into 
a R&D opportunity.

Register today 

Applications close: 15 October 2023 

Program starts: 2 November 2023 

csiro.au/agrifood



Australia’s National Science Agency



Key program outcomes 

Personalised support to refine your idea: We’ll step 
you through the process of turning your idea into a 
viable research project. 

Confidential feedback: All submissions through the 
program portal will receive prompt expert feedback. 

Mentor: You will be paired with a researcher from CSIRO or 
a university to help connect you with the relevant specialists. 

Build your network: You will build key contacts in your 
sector, including researchers at CSIRO and universities, 
domain experts, funding professionals and other SMEs. 

Key things covered include: 

• Identifying your innovation opportunities 
• Refining your value proposition 
• Understanding the R&D viability 
• Helping you build your business case 
• Providing guidance on how to prepare a strong 
funding application


Who can attend 

Participants working on an idea in agrifood. This can 
be in any sub‑sector including: 

• Complementary proteins
• Meat and meat processing
• Agriculture
• Aquaculture
• Livestock
• Beverage and/or fermentation
• Food product manufacturing
• Other


Selection criteria (essential): 

• Business classified as small to medium 
(<200 employees)
• A business with an R&D idea to work on throughout 
the program related to agrifood 
• An Australian registered and operating business 
with an ABN and ACN/ICN 
Please note: Sole traders and Partnerships are 
currently not eligible for the program


Other considerations: 

• Businesses working on ideas that can be assisted 
by the Missions supporting the program are highly 
encouraged to apply
• Any other information provided to support 
your application
• Have a clear need to develop your knowledge 
and skills in R&D


Commitment and course outline 

Preparing for the program (3-4 hours) 

Pre-workshop videos, onboarding, materials and 
questionnaires. The program schedule has been 
modified to incorporate a break during the holiday 
period, and an extra webinar session has been added.

Week 1 (Official start date, 2 November) 
Workshop (4.5 hours) 

Guest speakers from CSIRO, sector experts and SMEs 
who will provide tips and information on topics such 
as trends and opportunities, innovation experience 
and funding. You will also meet your fellow participants 
and mentor. 

Weeks 2–10 
Self-paced innovation program (2–3 hours per week) 

Participants explore opportunities to grow their 
business through innovation and research. 

Fortnightly virtual webinars for participant networking 
and guest speakers. 

A final questionnaire is required at completion. 

‘Innovate to Grow really made research accessible. 
Before the program, I thought, there was no way that 
a tiny company like mine could work with CSIRO or a 
university. Now it has been demystified!’ 

– Amanda Falconer, Founder of Bestie Kitchen

CSIRO awards places to businesses based on the strength 
of the application, and a clear interest and capacity to 
pursue R&D. We also include participants from a variety 
of industry sub‑sectors and regions.

CSIRO Innovate to Grow is delivered using Practera’s 
online ed-tech platform and facilitation services.

B&M | 23-00470

For further information 

csiro.au/agrifood

InnovatetoGrow@csiro.au

This program is supported by the Trusted 
Agrifood Exports and Future Protein missions.