Applications have opened for a CSIRO program supporting Queensland small and medium-sized businesses exploring research and development opportunities in digital technologies and artificial intelligence, including digital manufacturing.
The CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow (Queensland): Digital Technologies and AI program is open to eligible SMEs and startups working across areas including artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, quantum manufacturing and computing, cybersecurity, robotics and autonomous systems.
According to CSIRO, the program is intended to help participating businesses refine innovation ideas and assess how they could be developed into research and development opportunities.
Participants will have access to industry insights, researchers and an R&D coach, as well as opportunities to collaborate with other SMEs.
The program includes a compulsory half-day workshop scheduled for October 15, followed by an eight-week online program involving innovation exercises, coaching and fortnightly webinars.
CSIRO said participants are expected to commit around two to three hours per week during the eight-week program, in addition to preparation and workshop requirements.
For businesses involved in manufacturing, the program specifically identifies digital manufacturing and quantum manufacturing among the eligible areas. Other eligible fields include computer vision, machine learning, large language models, natural language processing, cybersecurity, and robotics and autonomous systems.
CSIRO said the program will focus on helping participants develop a research idea into a potential project, identify strengths and weaknesses in their business concept, build an R&D project plan and develop a project roadmap and funding strategy.
Participants will also be able to receive confidential feedback from a CSIRO facilitator and connect with researchers and other SMEs, according to the organisation.
The program is open to businesses that are based and operating in Queensland, have an Australian Business Number and employ fewer than 200 people. Applicants must be currently exploring, or in the early stages of exploring, R&D opportunities and have an innovation idea to develop during the program.
CSIRO said businesses must be registered and have their primary place of business in Australia, with Australian subsidiaries of foreign entities excluded from eligibility.
Places will be awarded based on the strength of applications, along with applicants’ interest and capacity to pursue research and development, CSIRO said.
Applications close on 20 September 2026.
