CSIRO is inviting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the critical minerals industry to apply for its new Innovate to Grow program.
A free, 10-week online program, Innovate to Grow aims to help SMEs leverage research and development (R&D) to grow their businesses.
Innovate to Grow is designed for companies embarking on early-stage R&D or those venturing into new ideas within the critical minerals sector.
The program is sponsored by the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, a collaboration between CSIRO, Geoscience Australia and ANSTO.
Hub manager Lucy O’Connor said SMEs play an integral role in driving innovation and enriching the diversity and resilience of critical minerals supply chains.
“Scaling up and commercialising critical minerals projects requires strategic collaboration to address technical challenges and drive sustainable growth and innovation in this sector,” O’Connor said.
“This program is designed to help SMEs navigate the complex landscape of R&D within the critical minerals sector and build new collaborative projects with the support of technical experts.”
Successful participants will be given access to expert facilitators and experienced researchers, who will help them examine their technical or business challenges, explore R&D opportunities, and develop actionable R&D business and funding plans.
“Participants will work through the self-paced materials and engage with researchers and industry experts to advance their project idea and discuss collaboration opportunities with R&D leaders at CSIRO, other science agencies and universities,” O’Connor said.
“Their professional networks will also receive a boost as they will connect with peers in their cohort, sector-specific mentors, and with CSIRO, ANSTO and Geoscience Australia, which combined have the largest mineral resources R&D capability in the world.”
Applications close on April 14 2024.
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