CSIRO's new program to boost digital health innovation

CSIRO is calling on startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to drive innovation in digital health and medical technologies to apply for its upcoming Innovate to Grow program.

The free 10-week online program is specifically designed to assist Australian SMEs operating in critical sectors to advance their innovative technologies, solutions and ideas through research and development.

Professor Susie Nilsson, Biomedical Manufacturing Research Director at CSIRO, said, “Developing a sustainable product in the digital health and medical technology sectors is a challenging and often underestimated process.

“The daunting task of navigating stringent testing and product development processes can be particularly overwhelming for SMEs.

“Innovate to Grow presents a unique opportunity for businesses to gain valuable insights from industry experts about how research and development collaboration can help take their technology to the next level. In particular, the way in which businesses can advance from a research idea to a tangible R&D opportunity.”

Program participants will collaborate with a mentor from CSIRO or a university to address technical and business challenges, while exploring R&D opportunities, gaining insight into partnering with research organisations, and crafting compelling R&D funding applications.

Liz Crompton, SME Connect Program Advisor, highlighted the impact of Innovate to Grow since the program’s inception. “To date, Innovate to Grow has equipped over 500 businesses with the knowledge and tools to advance their ideas, with many program alumni initiating R&D projects with research organisations like CSIRO within 12 months of completing the program,” Crompton said.

Participants may also be eligible for dollar-matched R&D funding through the CSIRO Kick-Start program.

The program commences 14 March 2024 and is available for a limited number of SMEs working across the following sub-sectors:

Digital health:

• Therapeutics and care
• Health system analytics
• Biomedical informatics and data modelling
• Other sub-sectors considered

Medical technology:

• Diagnostics, biosensors, and biomedical devices  
• Drug discovery  
• Vaccines and biologic therapeutics  
• Other sub-sectors considered
   

Applications for CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Digital Health and Medical Technology program close on Sunday, 18 February 2024.

Image credit: iStockphoto.com/Dilok Klaisataporn