DEADLINE: CSIRO Innovate to Grow: Critical Minerals Program

Innovate to Grow is a free 10-week virtual, self-paced learning program for small- to medium-sized enterprises working on innovative technologies or solutions in the critical minerals sector in Australia.

Program detail

This program will assist you in:

• Refining your innovation idea and learning how to transform it into an R&D opportunity.
• Accessing tools and information for a comprehensive understanding of R&D collaboration and key considerations at each step.
• Applying this knowledge to advance your technology or R&D concept.
• Gaining industry insights from experts, researchers and your mentor.
• Collaborating with like-minded SMEs and expanding your professional network.

API Management: alumni testimonial

Dr Alan Ooi, Principal Scientist, Product Development, API Management, participated in the Innovate to Grow program in 2021. This mining and METs cohort helped Dr Ooi and other participants refresh their current knowledge of engaging with research organisations, available funding options, and how to prepare for partnering with the CSIRO or other universities.

“The mining industry has big challenges, with lots of elements that need to come together, and the CSIRO are playing a key part for our research and development goals. We would whole-heartedly recommend the Innovate to Grow program to other mining companies, especially to help them gain R&D direction for their business opportunities.”

Dr Alan Ooi, Principal Scientist, Product Development, API Management

Key program outcomes

• Personalised support to refine your idea:  We’ll step you through the process of turning your idea into a viable research project.
• Confidential feedback:  All submissions through the program portal will receive prompt expert feedback.
• Mentor:  You will be provided with a mentor from CSIRO or a university to assist you with understanding the program deliverables and connecting you to a relevant specialist.
• Build your network:  You will build key contacts in your sector, including researchers and other SMEs.

Who can apply

This program is open to eligible SMEs working in critical minerals subsectors listed below:

• Mining technology
• Ore characterisation and analysis
• Ore suitability for processing
• Mineral sorting and processing
• Sustainable processing
• Minerals to Materials to Market
• Integration of renewable energy to processes
• Recover, reclaim, recycle
• Other

Selection criteria (essential):

• A business based and operating in Australia
• A business classified as small to medium (less than 200 employees)
• A business currently, or in the early stages of, exploring R&D opportunities for their business and have an critical minerals idea to work on throughout the program
• An Australian registered and operating business with an ABN and ACN/ICN

Please note: Sole traders and partnerships are currently not eligible for the program. Businesses need to be registered and have their primary place of business within Australia (Australian subsidiary companies of foreign entities are not eligible). Researchers working at universities can apply as a mentor but not as a participant.