// // Australia’s national science agency is offering a free program for energy SMEs exploring research and development ...
Applications are now open for an online learning program for energy sector innovators and R&D.
The free 10-week virtual, self-paced learning program, Innovate to Grow: Energy, gives participants “personalised support” helping them turn their idea into a viable research project.
Delivered by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, the program also allows participants to build their network and offers them mentorship.
Small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the energy sector are encouraged to apply to help support their research, product development and innovation ambitions.
CSIRO SME Collaboration Manager Monika Szabo says Innovate to Grow is a great opportunity for businesses looking to turn an idea into a viable research and development (R&D) opportunity and hear directly from CSIRO energy experts.
”The rapidly changing needs of the Australian energy sector presents significant opportunities to innovate,” Dr Szabo said.
“There is potential in intelligent models, systems and products to reduce emissions and improve the ways energy is produced, used and stored.
At the completion of the program participants will have received assistance in defining their goals, developing a business case for R&D with a university or CSIRO, and even preparing a funding proposal.
Monika Szabo
Green Gravity head of business development Fionna Millikan was a part of the 2022 Innovate to Grow cohort. She says the course delivered practical advice and helped her business generate new opportunities.
“The program was very practical and hands-on. [Facilitator] Tony was an excellent steward and the mentor provided excellent advice and connected me with potential research partners,” Ms Millikan said.
Who can apply?
The program is offered to SME innovators working in energy. Applicants are encouraged to apply if they are working in subsectors such as hydrogen, energy storage and batteries, energy data systems, low emissions technology or energy resources.
To be successful the SME applicant must be an Australian registered and operating business with an ABN and ACN/ICN. It must meet the classification of SME, eemploying less than 200 people. The business must be currently, or in the early stages of, exploring R&D opportunities for their business and have an idea to work on throughout the course.
Applications which can be made through the CSIRO website are now open and close Monday 10 April. The program commences on Thursday 4 May.
Anneke has an interest in the Western Australian startup community, is a contributor at Startup News and Reporter at The Property Tribune. She studies a Bachelor of Arts and Commerce, Journalism and Economics at Curtin University.
