This program is open to businesses working in one of the sub-sectors listed below. If you are not sure if you fit into one of these sub-sectors, please reach out to our program coordinators.
The course provides tools and information to help you better understand what's involved with R&D and key things you need to consider at each step of the process. You'll be able to apply this knowledge to advance your innovation journey.
Program detail
CSIRO has a goal to reduce 80 per cent of plastic waste entering the Australian environment by 2030. The Ending Plastic Waste Mission is intended to support a sustainable plastics circular economy to reduce detrimental impacts to the environment, while delivering economic benefits. You will also be exposed to industry knowledge, hear from innovation and industry experts and have access to networking opportunities with researchers and R&D mentors.
Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) play a key role in advancing recycling and plastic solutions. This program is open to Australian SMEs currently working in plastics or recycling, or those working in other areas looking to offer new technology or solutions that could be applicable to these sectors.
The program will help you refine your innovation idea and step you through how to turn this into a research and development opportunity. You will also be exposed to industry knowledge, hear from innovation and industry experts and have access to networking opportunities with researchers and R&D mentors.
It's a great opportunity to work alongside other like-minded SMEs and build your networks.
Course outline
The course will help you to:
- identify your innovation opportunities
- refine your value proposition
- understand the R&D viability
- build your business case
- learn how to prepare a strong funding application.
The program is made up of virtual webinars and self-paced learning as follows:
Preparing for the program (week commencing 28 August 2023, approximately 2 hours)
- Participants will be provided with an on-boarding session, pre-workshop videos, materials and questionnaires to assist in preparing for the program.
- Time commitment is approximately two hours.
Week 1: Workshop (Official start date 7 September 2023, approximately 4.5 hours)
- The program's main compulsory component is a half-day workshop covering the program concept. Participants will hear from CSIRO industry and research experts as well as relevant industry SMEs. Key topics include trends within your industry sector, a panel discussion with collaborating SMEs, and current funding opportunities for R&D.
- Time commitment is approximately 4.5 hours.
Week 2-10: Self-paced innovation program
- Participants will work through the online innovation program at their own pace, supported by a mentor and experienced innovation facilitators to develop and test their research ideas and business cases.
- Fortnightly webinars for participant networking and guest speakers.
- A final questionnaire is required at completion.
- Time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours per week.
Key program outcomes
- Personalised support to refine your idea: We'll step you through the process of turning your idea into a viable research project.
- Confidential feedback: All submissions through the program portal will receive prompt expert feedback.
- Mentor: You will be provided with a mentor from CSIRO or a university to assist you with understanding the program deliverables and connecting you to relevant specialists.
- Build your network: You will build key contacts in your sector, including researchers at CSIRO and universities, domain experts, funding professionals and other SMEs.
Who can apply
This program is open to any SME participants working in plastics or recycling from the subsectors listed below.
- Plastic processor or converter
- Plastic waste collection/sorting
- Plastic recycling
- Packaging
- Agriculture and food
- Manufacturing
- Other
Selection criteria (essential):
- An Australian registered and operating business with an ABN and ACN/ICN (sole traders and partnerships are not currently eligible to apply).
- A business classified as small to medium (less than 200 employees).
- A business currently, or in the early stages of, exploring R&D opportunities, with an idea to work on throughout the course.
Other considerations:
- Currently working in a sector related to plastics or recycling or have identified a new opportunity relevant to these sectors.
- Any other information provided to support your application.
- Have a clear need to develop your knowledge in R&D.
Please note:
CSIRO awards places to businesses based on the strength of their application, and a clear interest and capacity to pursue research and development.
We also include participants from a variety of industry sub‑sectors and regions.
Program flyer
- Innovate to Grow: Ending Plastic Waste PDF (178 KB)
- Innovate to Grow: Ending Plastic Waste (accessible text) TXT (4 KB)
What program participants are saying
"I think the program was useful in bringing experts and SMEs with problems together. We hope to continue the conversations we have started and as we continue to develop our technology we can engage further."
Nicholas Foster, IQ Energy Australia
"We made lots of progress and came up with a direction for the steps we need to do and the people we need to speak to in order to get this project kickstarted."
Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu, Little Green Panda
