Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on health care solutions are being encouraged to apply for CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program, with applications now open for the free eight-week online course.
Run by Australia’s national science agency, the program supports SMEs in transforming early-stage health innovation ideas into research and development (R&D) projects.
Innovate to Grow offers practical tools to help businesses refine their ideas, understand market needs, and develop clear, actionable R&D pathways.
Dr Erica Bremner Kneipp, CSIRO’s Research Director for Human Health, said the program has supported more than 700 SMEs since its launch in 2020.
“Having a great idea is one thing. Turning that idea into a genuine health care solution means matching it to patient and clinical need and understanding the pathway to market,” Dr Kneipp said.
“That pathway involves ensuring the innovation can be developed to ensure it is safe, effective, and can be manufactured, and alert to all regulatory requirements.”
“CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow gives founders a structured way to stress-test their innovative ideas and plan their R&D project before any expensive lab work begins. This ultimately de-risks the idea and makes it more investable.”
The program provides participants with access to expert facilitators, experienced researchers, and a network of peer SMEs working in similar fields.
These connections help participants assess the viability of their innovations and prepare for future R&D investment.
George Maclean, founder of Medvatic and a past participant, said the experience offered valuable insight and access to top-tier research talent.
“Participating in the program is the best way you can access world-class research professionals to help you assess the viability of your idea,” Mr Maclean said.
Innovate to Grow: Health Care Innovation is open to SMEs working in biomedical devices, digital health, public health and wellbeing, and other key sub-sectors including genomics, therapeutics, and advanced cell models.
Applications close on 13 July 2025.
