CSIRO launches Innovate to Grow program

The CSIRO has launched a free 10-week program aimed at helping SMEs enhance their research and development knowledge and expertise.

The Innovate to Grow program connects businesses working on cyber and digital technologies with the knowledge, resources and mentors needed to advance their projects.

Following the completion of the program, eligible participants may be granted access to continued support through CSIRO, including potentially dollar-matched R&D funding to keep moving their ideas to commercialisation.

Dr Liming Zhu, Research Director for Software and Computational Systems at CSIRO’s data innovation arm, Data61, said the program is coming at an ideal time.

“The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models like ChatGPT are rapidly transforming the digital and cyber innovation landscape,” Zhu said.

“Whether they’re creating knowledge-intensive products or seeking to add innovative features to interact with customers, companies can tap into new growth opportunities thanks to the increasing power of generative AI.”

But in acknowledgement that the rapid development of generative AI applications comes with increased cyber risks and risks in digital trust, the program also aims to assist companies that are building solutions to these problems, Zhu said.

Eligible companies should be working directly in cybersecurity, digital technologies or adjacent industries and want to improve the cybersecurity and digital technologies aspect of their offering. The program commences on 8 June and is open to 20–25 SMEs. Applications close on 15 May.

The program is being funded through the federal Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund, managed by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.

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