Free program to help SMEs advance AI and digital tech ideas in Queensland

The free eight-week online program, delivered by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, helps businesses turn early-stage ideas into actionable R&D plans while building connections with expert facilitators and researchers.

Offered through the Queensland Government-funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, Innovate to Grow connects businesses with experienced researchers and industry mentors at the state’s regional universities.

Dr George Feast, CSIRO’s Executive Manager  for Industry-Research Collaboration, said the program helped SMEs make confident, informed decisions about their research.

“Many businesses want to invest in R&D but aren’t sure where to start, or whether an idea is worth pursuing,” Dr Feast said.

“Innovate to Grow works through that with them – helping SMEs test their thinking, connect with researchers and mentors, and decide how to move forward.”

Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said Queensland’s digital technology and AI sector offered strong potential to lift productivity across the state’s economy.  

“Queensland businesses are developing digital and AI solutions that can make a real difference across industries, from agriculture to manufacturing,” Professor Wilson said.

“Connecting these businesses with research expertise through Innovate to Grow helps turn that potential into practical technology that benefits Queensland.”

Ray Kwon of BeeSTAR , participated in a previous Innovate to Grow program. The Queensland-based agritech company developed a data-driven platform that turns pollination into a measurable service, tracking more than 1,500 hives daily across four states.

“CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow will support our future R&D planning and improvements, with the exercises serving as a compass while we’re already working in the field,” Mr Kwon said.

CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: DigiTech and AI is open to Queensland SMEs developing or supplying solutions in the following subsectors:

• Artificial intelligence, including computer vision, machine learning, GPTs, LLMs, natural language processing etc.
• Digital manufacturing
• Quantum manufacturing and computing
• Cybersecurity
• Robotics and autonomous systems

Applications are now open and close on 20 September 2026. The program will commence in October.