CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, is inviting Queensland-based small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and visionary researchers to collaborate through the new Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, aimed at turning scientific potential into economic benefits for regional communities.
Funded by the Queensland Government, the RUIC program seeks to strengthen collaboration between regional universities and SMEs, driving industry-research partnerships across Queensland.
Eligible SMEs can access free research and development (R&D) training, facilitation services, up to $50,000 in dollar-matched funding for projects, and regional networking events.
Dr George Feast, Deputy Director of CSIRO's SME Connect team, highlighted the program's focus on regional innovation.
"With a dispersed population and diverse climates, Queensland is a fantastic base for innovation," Dr Feast said.
"The RUIC program is designed to boost potential by providing SMEs with the skills and resources they need to turn their ideas into impactful solutions at all stages of their innovation journey."
Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, said the program would help SMEs commercialise research through collaborating with universities, leveraging diverse skill sets and fostering innovative thinking.
"Universities play a significant role in regional innovation ecosystems, providing employment, education and training opportunities" Professor Wilson said.
"By empowering regional communities to access the latest advances in science, we can deliver better, stronger research outcomes for all Queenslanders."
Dr Anna Daniel, RUIC Program Facilitator, urged SMEs to take advantage of the program offerings.
"We're kicking off RUIC with a free eight-week R&D training program for SMEs working on manufacturing solutions in Queensland," Dr Daniel said.
"This is an excellent opportunity for businesses in the early stages of the R&D process to refine their research question with guidance from our program facilitators.
"For those more advanced with their ideas, there is also the opportunity to access up to $50,000 in dollar-matched funding to support collaborative projects with one of our world-class regional university partners. We can accommodate SMEs across a range of industries—from manufacturing to artificial intelligence (AI), agriculture, space technologies, Indigenous science, and many more."
Expressions of interest are now open for SMEs interested in engaging in collaborative R&D projects with researchers in regional universities.
The four university partners are James Cook University, Central Queensland University, University of Southern Queensland, and University of the Sunshine Coast.
Applications are also open for RUIC's free eight-week R&D training program for SMEs working on manufacturing solutions in the following subsectors:
- Manufactured materials and processes
- Energy and batteries
- Digital manufacturing and mechatronics
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Industrial manufacturing
- Biomedical manufacturing
- Robotics
- Other
