Innovate to Grow: Digital Technologies 
and Artificial Intelligence 

Applications are open for a free 10-week program for small-to-medium-sized 
enterprises (SMEs) working on a digital technology or artificial intelligence 
solution and exploring how research and development (R&D) can advance 
your project or idea. 

Build your R&D idea 
SMEs play a key role in growing Australia’s digital 
technologies and artificial intelligence capability, 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. 

Apply today 
Applications close: 21 July 2024 
Program starts: 15 August 2024 
csiro.au/digitechAI 

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 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) 
Pre-workshop videos, onboarding, materials 
and questionnaire. 
Week 1 (Official start date, 15 August) 
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. 

Who can attend 
Participants based and operating in Australia who are 
working on digital technologies or artificial intelligence 
solutions in any of these sub-sectors: 
Artificial intelligence, including 
Computer vision 
Machine learning 
ChatGPT / large language models 
Natural language processing 
Digital manufacturing 
Quantum computing 
Cybersecurity 
Robotics and autonomous systems 
Others 

Selection criteria (essential): 
A business based and operating in Australia that is 
registered with an ABN and ACN/ICN 
A business classified as small to medium or 
startup (<200 employees) 
An R&D idea to work on throughout the program 
that includes digital technologies or artificial 
intelligence 
Please note: Sole traders, partnerships and Australian 
subsidiary companies of foreign entities are not eligible. 
Researchers working at universities can apply as a 
mentor but not a participant. 

Other considerations: 
Any other information provided to support 
your application 
Have a clear need to develop your knowledge 
and skills in R&D 

‘The concepts and structure are well-suited for many 
SMEs, and I would recommend the program to 
colleagues within the target audience. Moving 
forward, I am actively pursuing my R&D plan within 
my business. Additionally, I am collaborating with my 
mentor on a new R&D project opportunity that was 
announced during the program.’ 
– Luis Elneser, Lurra Systems 

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

For further information 
InnovatetoGrow@csiro.au 
csiro.au/digitechAI