CSIRO programme targets SME innovation in agrifood

Start-ups and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)are being offered access a new online innovation learning program, ‘Innovate to Grow: Agrifood’, led by science agency CSIRO.

The free 10-week online programme is designed to help Australian SMEs assess how they can advance their technologies, solutions and ideas through research and development (R&D).

The programme, supported by CSIRO’s Trusted Agrifood Exports Mission and Future Protein Mission, aims to increase the value of Australian food premiums by $10 billion by 2030 through building trust in the safety, quality and provenance of our agrifood.

The programme will begin on 2 November and is available for a limited number of SMEs working across sub-sectors including:

• Complementary proteins
• Meat and meat processing
• Agriculture
• Aquaculture
• Livestock
• Beverage and/or fermentation
• And food product manufacturing.

Trusted Agrifood Exports Mission Lead Dr Ryan McAllister said: “This initiative represents a step toward modernising how supply chains support agricultural exports, with programmes such as Innovate to Grow set to equip SMEs with the insight required to play a part in achieving this mission.

“Our mission is centred around helping producers get their products into discerning markets that are willing to pay a premium for Australian quality and safety, fortified with trusted data that upholds our national brand.”

On completion of the programme, eligible participants may have the opportunity to access facilitation support, through CSIRO, to connect to research expertise nationally, along with dollar-matched R&D funding.

Picture: CSIRO