National science agency partners with Queensland Government to help small businesses turn agricultural innovations into market-ready solutions
Queensland’s small and medium-sized enterprises working on agricultural innovations have a new pathway to commercialization, with CSIRO launching applications for its free Innovate to Grow program specifically targeting the agriculture, food and technology sectors.
Delivered through the Queensland Government-funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, the training initiative guides businesses through developing and implementing research strategies with support from experienced researchers and industry mentors.
Connecting ideas to market
Dr George Feast, CSIRO’s Director for SME Connect Programs, says Queensland businesses are full of fresh ideas, but the challenge lies in execution. “We’re helping SMEs with a pathway from concept to commercialisation, with access to world-class researchers at regional Queensland universities, and matched R&D support – as well as support from our specialist team of facilitators,” Dr Feast explained.
The program addresses a critical gap identified in recent CSIRO research, which found that collaborations with universities and research institutions help SMEs develop new products and services, increase speed to market, and tackle industry-specific challenges and opportunities.
Program details and requirements
Lloyd Tailby from Erkmark Australia, who completed CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program in 2025, highlighted the practical value of the training. “The program was a big help in guiding me to refine the problem and progress with collaboration,” Tailby said. “This is a valuable program for any small business with good ideas who want to explore R&D opportunities.”
The program targets Queensland-based SMEs with under 200 employees working across agriculture technology (agritech), food and beverage manufacturing, crop innovation, livestock and aquaculture, alternative proteins, packaging and storage, and transport and logistics. To be eligible, businesses must be Australian-registered with their primary operations in Queensland, have an ABN, and be in the early stages of exploring R&D opportunities with an innovative idea to develop throughout the program.
Participants need to commit 2-3 hours per week and attend a mandatory half-day virtual workshop scheduled for September 11, 2025. The program connects SMEs with regional Queensland university researchers and provides structured support for developing research strategies. Applications close on Sunday, August 17, 2025, with CSIRO considering regional diversity and sector spread alongside suitability when making final selections if demand exceeds available places.
Building Queensland’s innovation ecosystem
The initiative represents a broader push to strengthen Queensland’s agricultural innovation ecosystem by connecting smaller businesses with research expertise they might not otherwise access. By removing financial barriers and providing structured pathways to collaboration, the program aims to accelerate the development of agricultural solutions that could benefit both local and global markets. The program’s focus on practical R&D development, combined with access to university research networks and industry mentoring, positions it as a significant opportunity for Queensland SMEs looking to scale their agricultural innovations.
Applications for CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Agriculture, Food & Technology program are now open through the CSIRO website, with selections announced following the August 17 deadline.
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