Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) working on new advanced manufacturing solutions can sign up to the free, 10-week online Innovate to Grow program from Australia’s national science agency.

The program support ideas by building research and development (R&D) knowledge. Eligible participants that complete the program may have the opportunity to access facilitation support through CSIRO to connect to research expertise nationally, along with dollar-matched R&D funding.

Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing is open to SMEs in the following sub-sectors:

• Digital solutions and Smart robotics
• Additive manufacturing
• Advanced materials and processes
• Quantum technology
• Mechatronics design and engineering
• Biomedical manufacturing.

An example of the program’s benefit is 2022 participant Connop Metal, which developed a world-first method of analysing the chemical compositions of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to make it recyclable.

Connop Metal owner Murray Connop said: “Thanks to the Innovate to Grow program, I gained the vital contacts and support needed to determine the feasibility of my project.

“I wholeheartedly recommend this program to fellow start-ups and small businesses in advanced manufacturing. The invaluable connection to industry experts provided by this program has played a significant role in the success of my project.”

CSIRO Director of Manufacturing Dr Marcus Zipper, said: “Manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia.

“At CSIRO, we work collaboratively with SMEs on research and development to find new and improved technologies and processes that enable great ideas to see success locally and internationally.

“We translate research into products and processes that businesses want to adopt because what we’ve created is economically viable, more efficient and effective, and sustainable.”

CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing program starts on 10 August 2023 and is available for up to 25 SMEs.

Applications can be made via www.csiro.au/advancedmanufacturing and close on 17 July 2023.