Innovate to Grow: Agrifood
Western Australia
Applications are open for a free 8-week R&D training program for small-to
medium sized enterprises (SMEs) working on innovative technologies or
solutions in the Western Australia (WA) agrifood industry.

Build your R&D idea
SMEs play a key role in growing Australia’s innovation
capability, but having the right support is critical to success.
Our free self-paced 8-week program will build your skills
and networks so you can learn how to advance your idea
with R&D.

Australia’s National Science Agency

Apply today
Applications close: 20 April 2025
Program starts: 15 May 2025
csiro.au/agrifoodWA

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 an R&D coach from CSIRO
or a university to help connect you with a relevant
specialist.
Build your network: You will build key contacts in your
sector, including researchers and other SMEs.
Key program outputs include how to:
Create a strong research question for your idea
Assess the value of your innovation
Work out your collaboration options
Compose a high impact R&D business case
Prepare a funding application.

Commitment and course outline
Preparing for the program (3–4 hours)
Onboarding session, pre-workshop videos and reading

Who can attend
Participants based and operating in Western Australia
who are working on innovative technologies or
solutions in the agrifood sector. This can be in any subsector including:
Meat and meat product manufacturing
Agriculture and fishing support services
Aquaculture
Livestock
Beverage manufacturing
Food product manufacturing
Alternative proteins
Agritech
Other
Selection criteria (essential):
A business based and operating in Western
Australia that is registered with an ABN and
ACN/ICN
A business classified as small to medium
(<200 employees)
An R&D idea to work on throughout the program
related to agrifood.

materials.
Week 1
Workshop (4 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 2–8
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.
Program participants will be invited to an in-person
meeting in the last week of the program in Perth
CBD.

Please note: Australian subsidiary companies of foreign
entities are not eligible. Researchers working at
universities can apply as a mentor but not a participant.
Other considerations:
A strong alignment to the program objectives
A clear desire to investigate doing a R&D project

‘I thought I was in a good position before Innovate to
Grow, but I soon realised I didn’t know what I didn’t
know! I’m so grateful for this opportunity - it has
been invaluable. I’ve come away feeling more
confident and excited.’ – Jo Barrett, Little Picket

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

For further information

Innovate to Grow: Agrifood WA is

InnovatetoGrow@csiro.au

supported by the Department of Primary

csiro.au/agrifoodWA

Industries and Regional Development WA.