Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is inviting farm and food innovators to apply for its Innovate to Grow program, designed to help small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) turn early ideas into research-led solutions.
The free, eight week online program supports SMEs to develop clear research and development plans, strengthen innovation capability and connect with relevant research expertise, helping to reduce risk and identify new opportunities.
“We’re seeing rapid transformation across farm and food technology, including advances in areas like AI and process digitisation,” said senior principal food material scientist at CSIRO, Dr Ingrid Appelqvist.
“SMEs play an important role in this transformation, but many are still navigating how to progress early-stage ideas, reduce risk and access the right expertise. Innovate to Grow gives them the tools, networks and confidence to turn emerging opportunities into well-defined R&D pathways.”
“From sustainability and waste optimisation to new value-add products and more resilient supply chains, Australian food and agriculture businesses are well-positioned to lead, and programs like this help them get there.”
Since launching in 2020, Innovate to Grow has supported more than 750 SMEs across multiple sectors. The program offers access to expert facilitators, self-paced learning modules and networking opportunities, enabling participants to translate ideas into actionable research plans.
CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Farm and Food Technology is open to SMEs developing or supplying solutions across areas including agritech and AI, food and beverage manufacturing, packaging and transport, livestock and aquaculture, value-add products, waste optimisation and recycling, energy reduction and the circular economy, as well as other emerging farm and food technology applications.
Applications are open now and close on 15 February 2026.