CSIRO Program Targets Innovation Gaps In Farm And Food SMEs
CSIRO has started a free program called Innovate to Grow that helps small and medium-sized farms and food businesses all over Australia. The goal of the initiative is to turn early-stage ideas into well-organized paths for research and development. The program is a response to the fast-paced changes in technology that are happening in agriculture, food production, and supply chains.
The program is delivered online over eight weeks and helps people become more innovative while lowering business and technical risks. Participants get help figuring out their R&D priorities and making sure their ideas fit with what scientists know. This structure helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) move from brainstorming to making plans for practical development with confidence.
Source: CSIRO/Website
Innovate To Grow Supports Research Driven Commercial Outcomes
Innovate to Grow helps small and medium-sized businesses turn their ideas into research-based solutions that have a clear business value. The program focuses on structured planning, experimentation based on evidence, and working together strategically with researchers. This method makes farms and food technology markets more competitive in the long run.
Participants get access to expert facilitators, carefully chosen learning modules, and networking opportunities that are relevant to them. These tools help businesses find technical problems and test their ideas for new products early on. This process speeds up progress toward scalable solutions and cuts down on expensive mistakes.
Technology Shifts Are Reshaping Australia’s Food System
Australia’s farm and food systems are changing quickly because of digital biology and advanced manufacturing technologies. These changes make things more complicated for small and medium-sized businesses, but they also create new opportunities. Innovation in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) is important for keeping the country competitive and the food system strong.
CSIRO experts point out that more and more people are using AI automation and digitizing processes. Without a dedicated research team, many small and medium-sized businesses have a hard time finding their way through technical pathways. The program fills this gap by linking businesses with scientists who can help them.
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SMEs Play Central Role In Agricultural Transformation
SMEs play a big role in innovation in areas like adding value to sustainability and making supply chains more resilient. Different businesses in the sector work on reducing waste, saving energy, and making new products. With the right research support, these businesses are in a good position to lead change.
Innovate to Grow gives small and medium-sized businesses the tools, networks, and confidence they need to pursue innovation in a smart way. The program knows that building skills is just as important as getting money. SMEs can get more involved in future research partnerships if they improve their skills.
Proven Track Record Since The Program Started In 2020
Innovate to Grow has helped more than 750 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Australia since it started in 2020. The program covers a wide range of fields, showing that it can adapt to different types of innovation problems. Feedback from participants shows that the program led to better research readiness and practical outcomes.
CSIRO keeps improving the program based on feedback from the industry and new technology trends. This makes sure that it stays relevant as market conditions and innovation priorities change. The farm and food edition builds on what worked well in earlier groups.
The Real World Impact Of Stories About SME Participation
People who have taken part in the past say that they have clearer paths to innovation and are more involved with scientific research teams. Many find skills that small businesses could not get before. Esther Rupenovic says the program opened up new ways for her to grow her business.
Her Tasmanian company made dog food that was nutritionally balanced by using research-based methods. The program showed her ways to work with other researchers that she had not thought of before. This experience shows that niche and new food businesses can really benefit from it.
Applications Open For 2026 Farm And Food Cohort
The deadline to apply for Innovate to Grow Farm and Food Technology is February 15, 2026. The program is good for small and medium-sized businesses in the areas of agritech, food manufacturing, logistics, and circular economy solutions. Participation is free, which makes it easier for early-stage innovators to get involved.
CSIRO wants eligible businesses to apply and get involved in research planning. This project helps the country reach its goals for sustainability, productivity, and growth led by innovation. The eight-week program will start later this year for those who are accepted.
