Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on new cyber security and digital technologies can enrol in CSIRO’s free, 10-week online program aimed at enhancing business research and development (R&D) knowledge.
The initiative, dubbed “Innovate to Grow,” seeks to link companies developing cyber and digital technology solutions with information, resources, and mentors to advance their projects or ideas.
Upon completion of the program, eligible participants may be able to access support, through CSIRO, to connect to research expertise nationally, along with dollar-matched R&D funding, the agency announced in a media release.
CSIRO’s Data61 Research Director for Software and Computational Systems Dr Liming Zhu said an Innovate to Grow program focused on cyber security and digital technology could not come at a better time.
“The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models like ChatGPT are rapidly transforming the digital and cyber innovation landscape,” Dr Zhu said.
“Whether they’re creating knowledge-intensive products or seeking to add innovative features to interact with customers, companies can tap into new growth opportunities thanks to the increasing power of generative AI,” he said.
Dr Zhu, on the other hand, cautioned that the rapid development and escalation of these applications bring with it increasing cyber threats and hazards in digital trust, and that planning is the key to reducing these risks.
“This is a new territory, which is still evolving. Our aim with programs like this is to assist companies who are building solutions to these problems,” he said.
Meanwhile, Innovate to Grow Program Coordinator, Michelle Armistead, has urged Australian SMEs to consider connecting with like-minded mentors and firms to learn and flourish.
“We know the critical importance Australia’s SMEs have in the growth and resilience of our economy, and likewise the large role they will play in growing these emerging industries of cyber and digital tech,” Armistead said.
The agency said eligible firms can be directly involved in cyber security, digital technologies, or related industries, and wish to develop the cyber security and digital technologies aspects of their product.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund, the initiative commences on 8 June and is available for 20 to 25 SMEs.
Expressions of interest to participate will close on 15 May.
