Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) developing solutions for the aquaculture sector are being invited to apply for the latest round of CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program, which aims to help businesses develop research and development (R&D) plans and connect with researchers.
According to CSIRO, the free eight-week online program is designed to support SMEs in turning early-stage ideas into actionable R&D plans while building connections with expert facilitators and researchers. Since launching in 2020, more than 900 SMEs have participated in the initiative.
CSIRO Aquaculture Research Director Dr Mat Cook said the aquaculture sector presents opportunities for Australian businesses developing new products and technologies across a range of fields.
“Whether it’s breeding, animal health, nutrition or new production systems, good ideas often stall because businesses aren’t sure what evidence they need or where to start with R&D,” Dr Cook said.
“Innovate to Grow connects SMEs with researchers and gives them a clear, practical process for working out what R&D their idea actually needs.”
The latest program is open to Australian SMEs developing or supplying solutions across several aquaculture-related areas, including breeding, health, nutrition, production systems and optimisation, digital and artificial intelligence, sustainability and circular agri-aquaculture, packaging, and Indigenous-led aquaculture.
Rebecca Parlett, Director of Bio Tribute Systems, said participating in a previous Innovate to Grow program helped the startup better understand the pathway needed to advance its innovation. The company develops circular solutions aimed at supporting soil health and environmental recovery.
“The program helped me to clarify the real status of my innovation and better understand the R&D pathway required to progress it,” Ms Parlett said.
“It also helped me identify that my project is not simply a product-development issue, but requires regulatory clarification, claims discipline, independent validation, a funding strategy and a staged evidence pathway. The program gave me a more structured and realistic framework for deciding what needs to happen next.”
Applications for CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Aquaculture program are open until 16 August 2026, with the program scheduled to commence in September.
