West Australian agrifood and agtech small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are being invited to strengthen their innovation capability through a free program designed to help turn early-stage ideas into practical research and development (R&D) plans.
Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, together with the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), are opening applications for the latest Innovate to Grow program.
The free, eight-week online program helps SMEs develop an early-stage innovation idea. The program covers:
- de-risking concepts
- assessing commercial and technical potential
- building a practical R&D plan; and
- connecting with the research expertise relevant to their business.
Michelle Armistead, CSIRO's Innovate to Grow Program Manager, said the program is designed to meet businesses at a critical point in their innovation journey.
"Many agrifood and agtech businesses have an idea they believe in but aren't sure whether it's worth pursuing through research and development – or where to even begin," Ms Armistead said.
"Innovate to Grow is designed for exactly that moment, giving businesses a structured process to test and refine their concept, develop a practical R&D plan and connect with the right expertise."
Since its inception, CSIRO's Innovate to Grow program has supported more than 800 SMEs across Australia, helping businesses build capability, form research partnerships and progress ideas towards market-ready solutions.
DPIRD Manager Investment Services Tamatha Newsome said the program aligns with Western Australia's priorities to strengthen regional economies, support innovation-led growth and enhance the competitiveness of the State's agrifood and agtech sectors.
"DPIRD is excited to work with CSIRO once again to support Innovate to Grow WA, a program now in its fourth year, that is providing great opportunities for WA based SMEs to progress from a concept to a viable research project," Ms Newsome said.
Sofia Katzin, WA-based agrifood innovator Flymumma Pty Ltd, participated in the program in 2025 to develop her waste management solution using black fly larvae.
"The program gave me a lot of confidence in my project. It was really good to understand the key elements in the innovation process, explore the funding landscape and meet other innovators along the way," Ms Katzin said.
CSIRO's Innovate to Grow: Agrifood and Agtech program is open to Western Australian SMEs developing or supplying solutions in the following sub-sectors:
- Meat and meat product manufacturing
- Agriculture and fishing support services
- Agritech and AI
- Food and beverage manufacturing, packaging, and transport
- Livestock and aquaculture
- Value-add products.
- Waste optimisation and recycling
- Energy reduction and circular economy
Applications are now open and close on 31 May 2026. The program will commence later in the year.
Learn more and apply .
CSIRO Innovate to Grow: Agrifood and Agtech (WA) program is supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA.
