Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has opened applications for its free Innovate to Grow: Agriculture, Food & Technology – Queensland program, aimed at helping small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the state develop and commercialise innovative solutions in agriculture and related technologies.
The program is delivered as part of the Queensland Government-funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) initiative and is designed to guide businesses through the early stages of research and development (R&D) with tailored support from expert researchers and industry mentors.
Dr George Feast, CSIRO’s Director for SME Connect Programs, said Queensland’s regional businesses have no shortage of innovative ideas but often need support to bring those ideas to life.
“We’re helping SMEs with a pathway from concept to commercialisation, with access to world-class researchers at regional Queensland universities, and matched R&D support – as well as support from our specialist team of facilitators,” Dr Feast said.
CSIRO said its research shows that collaborations between SMEs and research institutions can accelerate product development, improve market readiness, and offer strategic advantages specific to industry challenges and opportunities.
The program has already proven beneficial to businesses like Erkmark Australia, whose founder, Lloyd Tailby, completed Innovate to Grow in 2025.
“The program was a big help in guiding me to refine the problem and progress with collaboration,” Mr Tailby said. “This is a valuable program for any small business with good ideas who want to explore R&D opportunities.”
The initiative is open to Queensland-based SMEs working across areas such as agritech, food and beverage manufacturing, crop innovation, livestock and aquaculture, alternative proteins, packaging and storage, transport, logistics, and provenance.
CSIRO encourages eligible businesses to apply and take advantage of the support available through the program.
