CSIRO Kick-Start is sponsored by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Provides funding to innovative Australian start-ups and small SMEs to undertake R&D activities, including marine science.

CSIRO Kick-Start Program - CSIRO CSIRO Kick-Start is an initiative for innovative Australian start-ups and small to medium enterprises, providing funding support and access to CSIRO’s research expertise and capabilities to help grow and develop their business. For many start-ups and SMEs, progressing an R&D idea can be challenging without the right support.

CSIRO Kick-Start offers a practical solution by pairing businesses with CSIRO experts and providing dollar-matched funding of $10,000 to $50,000 to help investigate challenges, refine concepts and move ideas closer to market.

Benefits of joining the program: Access world-class CSIRO research expertise Share project costs through matched funding Advance prototypes, feasibility studies or product development [Image appears of text “CSIRO” in the foreground, and Dr Megan Sebben going downstairs can be seen in the background, and text appears: Kick-Start] Dr Megan Sebben: My name is Megan and I’m the Programme Manager of CSIRO’s Kick-Start programme.

[Images move through to show a close view, and then medium Megan talking to the camera, and then Megan talking with a client and looking at a whiteboard together, and text appears: Dr Megan Sebben, Program Manager – Kick-Start, CSIRO] The programme exists to help Australian companies that have a scientific or technical challenge that they need some help with and we can provide them dollar match funding that’s going to help them advance their business.

[Image changes to show Megan talking to the camera] So far we’ve worked with more than 190 companies across 210 projects. [Images move through of a rear view of Megan going through a doorway, and then Megan sitting with a male client at a table and having a conversation with him] We’ve helped them develop their products and ultimately get those products out onto the shelf.

[Image changes to show a close and then medium view of Megan talking to the camera] The benefits the companies get is they get to build a relationship with that research team.

[Images move through of Megan seated with a male and female and in conversation, Megan smiling at the clients, and then Megan talking to the camera] They can undertake the piece of work often more quickly, or more cheaply than if they needed to raise all the capital themselves.

[Camera zooms in a little on Megan talking to the camera, and then the image changes to show Megan sitting with a male client and talking] And they’re working with an organisation of experts and bringing that expertise into their business early on.

[Images move through of Megan and the male client in conversation, and then Megan talking to the camera] So, a problem that a start-up might come to us with is that they require a specific capability that they don’t have in house. So, that’s where the Kick-Start team comes in.

[Images move through of a close view of a laptop, and then a male on a computer screen talking to two people seated at a table] We fully facilitate the programme. So, you just reach out to us.

[Images move through of a male and female in conversation, Megan talking to the camera, a male looking at an insect picture in a large book, and the male and female’s faces] Then we will have a chat with you to understand your requirements and where we might be able to assist you. From there we will go through the organisation and find who would be the best research partner and connect you with them directly.

[Images move through to show a male and female looking at a Smartphone screen, a view of a Banded Huntsman on the Smartphone screen, and Megan talking to the camera] So, if you are an Australian business, you can reach out to us at any time to have that conversation, and you never know where it’s going to take you.

[Image changes to show the CSIRO logo on a white screen, and text appears: CSIRO, Australia&rsquo;s National Science Agency] https://vimeo. com/747912646 <iframe src="//player. vimeo.

com/video/747912646" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe> Matched funding to undertake R&D activities with CSIRO researchers Maximum length of project 325 Australian businesses Number of businesses we've supported Simple steps to start your R&D journey Kick-Start is designed to make it easy for innovative businesses to begin working with CSIRO researchers.

Once we've assessed your eligibility, we'll guide you through the process of defining a project and collaborating with the right research team: Review the funding support available and confirm your business meets the criteria. Submit an expression of interest (EOI) Download the EOI form DOCX (64 KB) and email it to us, telling us about your R&D challenge or idea. The team will assess your EOI and help shape a suitable project.

Collaborate with CSIRO researchers Work directly with a research team to scope, deliver and evaluate your project, with matched funding supporting the work. Learn more about how it works Support for early-stage, high potential Australian businesses Kick-Start is open to Australian start-ups and SMEs that are ready to explore, validate or accelerate an R&D idea with expert help.

To be eligible, businesses must: Have an annual turnover and operating expenditure of less than $10 million, or have been trading for less than three years Be able to provide matched funding for the project.

Check to see if you're eligible Example of projects supported through our program Explore stories from a wide range of SMEs who have taken part in the Kick-Start program, including businesses in manufacturing, agrifood and emerging technology sectors. These stories highlight the diversity of projects supported through the program and offer a snapshot of how different companies collaborate with CSIRO researchers.

Together, they provide a practical look at the types of early-stage R&D activities being undertaken across Australia's SME landscape. Our team of expert consultants provide end-to-end support to connect researchers and SMEs, helping with project scoping, funding applications, and fostering collaborations that turn R&D ideas into real-world solutions. Updates on CSIRO programs, funding and opportunities for SMEs - straight to your inbox.

You may also be interested in Regional University Industry Collaboration CSIRO Industry PhD scholarship program Find out how we can help you and your business. Get in touch using the form below and our experts will get in contact soon! Enter a valid email address, for example jane.

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