CSIRO’s program for Queensland SMEs seeks applicants

A program by CSIRO and funded by the Queensland government is seeking to link SMEs and regional university researchers in the state, beginning next month with a training program focussed on manufacturing solutions.

Dr Anna Daniel, RUIC Program Facilitator, said in a statement on Monday that the program kicks off “with a free eight-week R&D training program for SMEs working on manufacturing solutions in Queensland. 

“This is an excellent opportunity for businesses in the early stages of the R&D process to refine their research question with guidance from our program facilitators.”

(Applications for the training program close October 6, with an official start date of October 31.)

CSIRO’s website describes RUIC as offering:

• Regional research facilitators;
• Free R&D training;
• Dollar-matched funding up to $100,000 to conduct a collaborative R&D project with a partner university; and
• Networking opportunities with innovation experts, investors, university partners, and fellow SMEs.

Dr George Feast, Deputy Director of CSIRO’s SME Connect team, added: “With a dispersed population and diverse climates, Queensland is a fantastic base for innovation. 

“The RUIC program is designed to boost potential by providing SMEs with the skills and resources they need to turn their ideas into impactful solutions at all stages of their innovation journey.”

Eligibility criteria include being in operation at least 12 months, operating in Queensland, having a turnover of under $20 million in the last financial year, and being able to provide matched funding for the R&D voucher.

The four university partners are James Cook University, Central Queensland University, University of Southern Queensland, and University of the Sunshine Coast.  

Expressions of interest are now open, with more information available here.

Picture: credit CSIRO