Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is extending a helping hand to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on clean energy solutions through a new program
In partnership with Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), CSIRO has launched the ‘Innovate to Grow’ initiative, a free online program designed to support Australian SMEs in their pursuit of research and development (R&D) opportunities and the commercialisation of their innovations.
Since its inception in 2020, the program has equipped over 600 SMEs with the knowledge and tools necessary to explore R&D avenues, develop actionable R&D business plans, and secure funding.
The Clean Energy edition aims to provide a supportive environment where participants can benefit from expert facilitators, experienced researchers, and self-paced deliverables to navigate technical and business challenges.
Professor Emmanuel Mastio, Executive Director of TRaCE, emphasised the pivotal role of SMEs, scaleups, and startups in building sovereign supply chains for Australia’s transition to a clean energy economy.
“We need to bring our universities into the fold and see a shift in our approach where SMEs and industry are provided greater support to commercialise their innovations and de-risk investment at speed,” Professor Mastio stated.
CSIRO’s Director of Energy, Dr Dietmar Toubier, highlighted Australia’s potential to establish itself as a global leader in clean energy, citing the country’s abundant critical energy minerals required for the clean energy transition.
“There’s an International Energy Agency (IEA) analysis that shows Australia can have the lowest cost clean energy of all OECD countries — we want to help achieve that,” Dr Toubier said.
SMEs play a crucial role in driving innovation, especially in the clean energy sector.
Their agility and innovative approaches are vital in developing sustainable solutions and accelerating the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Fionna Millikan, Head of Business Development from Green Gravity, a participant in CSIRO’s 2023 Innovate to Grow: Energy program, attested to the program’s practical benefits, stating: “The program was very practical and hands-on. [Our facilitator] Tony was an excellent steward and mentor, provided valuable advice, and connected me with potential research partners.”
The Innovate to Grow: Clean Energy program is open to SMEs working in various sub-sectors, including energy storage, electrification, energy modelling and integrated systems, carbon management, renewable energy, renewable heat, sustainable fuels, and other related areas.
Applications for the program close on June 23, 2024.
