Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy

Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy is a CSIRO program supporting Queensland-based small and medium-sized enterprises in developing innovative circular economy and sustainability ideas through an R&D development and funding pathway program. The program does not provide direct project grants but helps participants develop funding plans and access research support.

Eligible applicants are Queensland-based SMEs with fewer than 200 employees, an Australian ABN, and primary operations in Australia. Participants must commit 2 to 3 hours per week and attend a half-day workshop on May 21, 2026. The application deadline is April 26, 2026.

Application form - Innovate to Grow (Queensland): Circular Economy and Sustainability - CSIRO Application form - Innovate to Grow (Queensland): Circular Economy and Sustainability Complete this form to apply for the Innovate to Grow: Circular Economy and Sustainability (Queensland) program. There is currently no fee for participating. Please ensure you can commit 2-3 hours per week and can attend the half-day workshop on 21 May 2026.

Please ensure you meet the essential criteria and review our FAQs before submitting this application form. Essential criteria include: A business based and operating in Queensland, Australia. An Australian registered and operating business with an ABN.

Please note: Businesses need to be registered and have their primary place of business within Australia. Australian subsidiary companies of foreign entities are not eligible. A business classified as small to medium (less than 200 employees).

A business currently, or in the early stages of, exploring R&D opportunities for their business and have an innovative idea to work on throughout the program. Enter details for the person from your company who will be participating in the webinars and submitting documents (please ensure you provide the correct contact details) and have permission to attend (if relevant).

If we have more applications than places available, we may include region or sub-sector as well as suitability to make our final list. This helps to provide diversity in the program cohort. Applications for this program will close on 26 April 2026.

Company website (if you have one) Is this company Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander-owned? Female founded or female led company Is your company registered for GST? Micro business (1 - 5 employees) Small business (6 - 20 employees) Medium business (21 -200 employees) How long has your business been in operation?

We are in the process of establishing a business What is your estimated annual turnover for FY2025/2026? Please provide a brief description of your business What area of the circular and economy and sustainability sector are you currently working in or hope to develop your new R&D idea in?

Select the most relevant: Energy, solar, wind turbines, batteries Agriculture, food and beverage Technology Readiness Level TRL 3 - Critical function or proof of concept established TRL 4 - Lab testing or validation of alpha prototype component or process TRL 5 - Laboratory testing of integrated or semi-integrated system TRL 6 - Prototype system verified TRL 7 - Integrated pilot system demonstrated TRL 8 - System incorporated in commercial design TRL 9 - System proven and ready for full commercial deployment This program is about developing an idea for a potential R&D project with a publicly-funded research organisation.

Could you explain how far along your innovation idea is and your TRL level if known? How did you find out about the program? Referral from a CSIRO employee Recommendation from a previous participant Referral from a presentation (e.g. at a conference, round table, etc) If you were referred to the program, who sent you the program details?

Have you previously engaged with CSIRO, a University or other research organisation (please tick all that apply)?

Consultancy/Literature review Contract research project Potential project discussions Access to specialist equipment Staff training or placements into research organisations Student placements/internships in your business Joint projects with multiple companies/research organisations Past Innovate to Grow participant Please tell us what your expectations are for the program. Are you happy to collaborate with other participants?

Briefly describe why you would like to take part in this program and how it can benefit your business I confirm that I am available for a half-day virtual workshop on 21 May 2026 I confirm that I will be able to commit on average two-three hours per week to this online program over its duration.

I would like to receive updates on future programs and news from CSIRO I agree to the collection, use and disclosure of my personal information, including my sensitive information, in the ways described in this form including the Privacy Statements linked below.

I agree to the transfer of my personal information, including my sensitive information, to Intersective Pty Ltd trading as ‘Practera’ (145 575 864) servers and Zoom platform servers based outside of Australia, in the ways described in this form including the Privacy Statements linked below. I acknowledge that this information may not be subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Privacy Statement: personal information you give to us will only be used for the purposes for which you have provided it and will not be disclosed for any other purpose without your consent. Innovate to Grow: Privacy Statement Thank you for your Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy program application. There is currently no fee for participating.

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