Innovate to Grow: 
Recycling and Circular Economy 

Applications are open for a free 8-week R&D learning program for 
small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on recycling and 
circular economy innovation. 

Build your R&D idea 
SMEs play a key role in growing Australia’s innovation 
capabilities but having the right support is critical 
for 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. 

Apply today 
Applications close: 16 February 2025 
Program starts: 13 March 2025 
csiro.au/I2Grecycle 

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 questionnaires. 
Week 1 (Official start date, 13 March 2025) 
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 2–8 
Self-paced innovation program (2–3 hours per week) 
Participants explore opportunities for a collaborative 
research project by working through a series of online 
learning materials and four downloadable documents. 
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 recycling and circular economy innovation. 
This can be in any sub-sector including: 
Organic and inorganic recycling 
Sustainable manufacturing 
Clean energy production and storage 
Supply chain waste reduction 
Waste to energy (bioenergy) 
Fibres and textiles waste 
Sustainable construction materials 
Other 
Selection criteria (essential): 
A business based and operating in Australia that is 
registered with an ABN 
A business classified as small to medium 
(<200 employees) 
An R&D idea to work on throughout the program 
related to recycling and the circular economy 
Please note: We are accepting applications from sole 
traders and partnerships for this program but not 
subsidiary companies of foreign entities. 
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 

‘We made lots of progress and came up with a 
direction for the steps we need to do and the people 
we need to speak to in order to get this project 
kickstarted.’ 
– Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu, Little Green Panda 

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

For further information 
InnovatetoGrow@csiro.au 
csiro.au/I2Grecycle 

CSIRO Innovate to Grow is proud to partner with Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation 
Hub (REACH). REACH is facilitating the development of greener supply chains by collaborating with industry 
partners to pioneer a sustainable circular economy.