The CSIRO has expanded its SME support program, Innovate to Grow, aiming to strengthen Australia’s global leadership in food technology.
Australia’s national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), has announced the expansion of its Innovate to Grow program, targeting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with aspirations in food innovation
and technology.
This initiative, which aims to bolster the country’s global leadership in food technology, offers SMEs a structured pathway to advance their innovative ideas.
The Innovate to Grow program is spearheaded by a team of seasoned researchers who will guide participants through various technical and
business challenges.
The program focuses on exploring research and development (R&D) opportunities and crafting actionable business and funding plans tailored to the participants’ R&D projects.
Dr Michelle Colgrave, deputy director Impact at CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food division, emphasised the crucial role SMEs play in enhancing Australia’s reputation as a leader in
food technology.
She highlighted the potential for combining innovations in fermentation with consumer preferences to create reduced-sugar beverages and no or low-alcohol wines.
“To meet the demands of our growing population, the changing climate, and evolving consumer preferences, there is an urgent need to diversify and develop new, sustainable food and beverage options.
“Australia is uniquely positioned to lead in this field, thanks to our access to cutting-edge technologies and some of the brightest minds in the industry,” said Colgrave.
She further explained that SMEs are integral to driving innovation throughout the supply chain and achieving sustainable outcomes in food manufacturing.
Since its inception in 2020, the Innovate to Grow program has supported over 600 early-stage R&D companies, providing them with essential knowledge and tools to advance their innovative concepts.
The program has become a vital resource for many SMEs, offering insights and practical experiences that are crucial for business growth.
Joshua Poke of the Tasmanian Oyster Company, a participant in the 2021 program, shared his positive experience.
“Innovate to Grow was instrumental in helping me focus on the key areas needed to advance our business over the next year,” he said.
“The program also offered valuable practical insights from other SMEs, which have been incredibly beneficial.”
The expansion of the Innovate to Grow program underscores CSIRO’s commitment to fostering innovation within the SME sector and advancing Australia’s standing in the global food technology arena.
Innovate to Grow: Food Innovation is open to SMEs working in the following sub-sectors:
- Beverage manufacturing
- Food production
- Traditional and complimentary proteins
- Bio-manufacturing including precision fermentation
- Sustainable processing
- Value-adding processes
As of recent data, there are approximately 16,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the food manufacturing sector in Australia.
These SMEs play a crucial role in the country’s food supply chain, contributing substantially to the local economy and food diversity. The sector includes a wide range of businesses, from artisan producers to larger processors, and is an important component of Australia’s overall food industry.
This announcement is the latest in a long line from governments, both state and federal, and other key organisations, to help strengthen and build Australia’s manufacturing sectors.
The food and beverage manufacturing sector is a substantial part of Australia’s economy. It is the largest manufacturing sector in the country, representing a substantial portion of the total manufacturing output.
As of recent data, the food and beverage manufacturing sector accounts for approximately 30 per cent of Australia’s total manufacturing output and about 15 per cent of the total manufacturing employment.
The sector is vital not only for its economic contribution but also for its role in supplying both domestic and international markets with a diverse range of products. Its significance reflects its scale and impact within the broader Australian economy.