Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has opened applications for its latest Innovate to Grow program, aimed at helping small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the farm and food sector turn early ideas into actionable research and development (R&D) plans.
The free, eight-week online program is designed to build innovation capability, reduce business risk, and connect SMEs with research expertise, the organisation said in a news release.
Participants receive guidance from expert facilitators, self-paced learning modules, and networking opportunities to transform emerging ideas into structured R&D pathways.
Dr Ingrid Appelqvist, Senior Principal Food Material Scientist at CSIRO, said the program arrives at a pivotal time as digital, biological, and advanced manufacturing technologies reshape Australia’s food system.
“We’re seeing rapid transformation across farm and food technology, including advances in areas like AI and process digitisation,” Dr Appelqvist said. “SMEs play an important role in this transformation, but many are still navigating how to progress early-stage ideas, reduce risk, and access the right expertise. Innovate to Grow gives them the tools, networks, and confidence to turn emerging opportunities into well-defined R&D pathways.”
Dr Appelqvist added that the program supports innovations across sustainability, waste optimisation, value-add products, and more resilient supply chains.
Since its launch in 2020, Innovate to Grow has supported over 750 SMEs across multiple sectors. Participants have included businesses developing agritech solutions, food and beverage manufacturing processes, livestock and aquaculture innovations, and circular economy initiatives.
Esther Rupenovic, founder of Tasmanian meal-prep company Jack and Chelo, said the program helped her identify practical research paths she had not previously considered.
“This is a fantastic program that has opened my eyes to research teams available for small businesses — I never knew they existed,” Rupenovic said.
Applications for Innovate to Grow: Farm and Food Technology close on 15 February 2026.
