Queensland and CSIRO Open Innovate to Grow Program for SME Sustainability R&D
The Queensland Government and CSIRO have opened applications for a free eight-week research and development training program designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) turn sustainability ideas into practical innovation. The Innovate to Grow: Circular Economy and Sustainability program is funded through the Queensland Government’s Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) initiative and is aimed at strengthening links between businesses and regional universities. Details of the program were outlined in a CSIRO announcement released on 23 March 2026.
Supporting SME-led research and development
Delivered by CSIRO SME Connect, Innovate to Grow provides structured guidance on developing and implementing R&D strategies. Participating businesses receive mentoring from experienced researchers and industry experts, with a focus on translating early-stage ideas into clear, actionable R&D plans.
“Businesses across Queensland are exploring how to reduce waste, extend the life of materials and build more sustainable operations – and many of them have great ideas with commercial potential,” — Dr George Feast, Director – CSIRO SME Connect, CSIRO
Dr Feast said the program addresses a common challenge for SMEs: understanding how to progress from concept to execution. The initiative sits alongside other state-based efforts to strengthen commercial pathways for research, such as New South Wales programmes aimed at accelerating technology commercialisation.
Collaboration with regional universities
The RUIC program reflects the Queensland Government’s policy objective of encouraging collaboration between industry and regional universities. Partner institutions include James Cook University, Central Queensland University, the University of Southern Queensland and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“Queensland businesses across the state are generating ideas grounded in science and emerging research to address important and complex sustainability issues,” — Professor Kerrie Wilson, Queensland Chief Scientist
Professor Wilson noted that programs such as Innovate to Grow provide SMEs with access to research expertise, technical knowledge and collaborative networks. Similar university–industry collaboration models are also being expanded in other jurisdictions, including Western Australia’s Innovation Pathways Programme.
Strong regional participation and sector focus
CSIRO reports that more than one-third of the 800 businesses that have participated in Innovate to Grow nationally are based in regional Australia, indicating sustained demand outside major metropolitan centres.
The Queensland intake is open to SMEs developing or supplying solutions across sectors including manufacturing, transport, energy, construction materials, agriculture and food, mining and METS, and digital technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence. A strong emphasis is placed on reducing plastic waste and advancing circular economy practices.
Business experience from previous participants
Leanne Edge from Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc., a Queensland organisation focused on tackling marine plastic pollution, previously participated in the program and said it helped provide strategic direction.
“Participating in CSIRO’s program has been transformative for us,” — Leanne Edge, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc.
Applications for Innovate to Grow: Circular Economy and Sustainability are open to eligible Queensland SMEs and close on 26 April 2026.
