Innovate to Grow: Food Innovation 

Applications are open for a free 10-week program for small to medium-sized 
enterprises (SMEs) working on innovative technologies or solutions in the 
food industry. 

Build your R&D idea 
SMEs play a key role in growing Australia’s innovation 
capabilities but having the right support is critical 
to success. 
Our free self-paced 10-week program will build your 
skills and networks so you can learn how to advance 
your idea with R&D. 

Apply today 
Applications close: 25 August 2024 
Program starts: 12 September 2024 

csiro.au/foodI2G 

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, 12 September) 
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 food innovation. This can be in any 
sub-sector including: 
Beverage manufacturing 
Food production 
Traditional and complimentary proteins 
Bio-manufacturing incl. precision fermentation 
Sustainable processing 
Value-adding processes 
Other 
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 
(<200 employees) 
An R&D idea to work on throughout the program 
related to food and beverage innovation 
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 

‘Innovate to Grow really focused me on what I 
needed to concentrate on for growing our business 
in the next 12 months. It also provided me with lots 
of practical experiences of other [SMEs] that I 
learned from.’ 
– Joshua Poke, Tasmanian Oyster Company 

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

For further information 
InnovatetoGrow@csiro.au 
csiro.au/FoodI2G