Innovate to Grow opens for WA agrifood companies

Applications have opened for Western Australian agrifood companies under the CSIRO’s free ten-week program for SMEs and startups, Innovate to Grow.

The round is being delivered with support from the state government’s department of primary industries, with the first workshop to take place on April 11.

It will offer participants collaboration opportunities with mentors from CSIRO or universities, address technical and business challenges, explore R&D opportunities, provide information on partnering with research organisations, and assist with crafting R&D funding applications. 

“The program offers a transformative experience that not only fosters innovation but also educates businesses on the invaluable role of R&D in enhancing their overall business strategy,” said Dr George Feast, CSIRO SME Connect Deputy Director, in a statement on Monday.

“Participants will gain insights into the significance of R&D, along with practical strategies to navigate and advance their ideas through the innovation pipeline. It’s a unique blend of education, mentorship, and tangible pathways to turn concepts into successful realities.

Amanda Falconer, Founder of Bestie Kitchen, participated in the first Innovate to Grow: Agrifood program in June 2020, and gave a testimonial about how accessible the program made R&D.

“Before the program, I thought there was no way that a tiny company like mine could work with CSIRO or a university,” said Falconer, whose company makes supplements for dogs and cats. 

“Now it has been demystified.”  

More information on the course is available here. Applications close March 17.

Picture: supplied