Opportunity for

• Australian start-ups and small businesses who would like to pursue a research and development (R&D) project, utilising CSIRO researchers and capabilities.

Opportunity description

Industry challenge:

The program aims to support businesses with the following types of R&D activities:

• research into a new idea with commercial potential
• development of a novel or improved product or process
• testing of a novel product, developed by the company, to inform research and development activities.

Current opportunity:

The program is a (1:1) matched-funding program whereby companies will receive a voucher between $10K-$50K to undertake R&D projects. Companies must match the funding provided by CSIRO. For example, a $100K value project would recieve a $50K voucher from the Kick-Start program and then the company would be required to fund the remaining $50K. Companies can access up to 2 vouchers, however the first project must be completed before a second one can commence. Applications are non-competitive but have clear eligibility guidelines to meet.

To apply and for more information, click 'Visit website' and to talk to the team 'Enquire now'.

Opportunity background:

Innovation is a major driver of business growth, however many start-ups and small businesses can often face barriers, such as lack of technical expertise or funding, when trying to access research and development ( R&D) to explore new opportunities. CSIRO's Kick-Start program helps start-ups and small businesses overcome some of these barriers to pursue R&D activities, by providing an end-to-end facilitation service, including:

• help with articulating your research question
• connecting businesses with relevant CSIRO researcher expertise and capability - think of us as you in-house R&D division
• matched funding support to improve the affordability or expand the scope of R&D services.

To be eligibile for the program, companies must be:

• < $1.5M in turnover or operating expenditure OR < 3 years trading
• Have an ACN/ICN and be registered for GST and;
• Must be able to provide matched funding.

Potential other applications:

You may also be eligible for other SME Connect Programs.