SMEs to unlock critical minerals potential with CSIRO R&D program

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the critical minerals industry have been invited to apply for a research and development (R&D) program.

Created by CSIRO, the Innovate to Grow program helps SMEs acquire valuable business insights and strategic plans to leverage R&D to meet their business needs.

The program is sponsored by the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, a collaboration between CSIRO, Geoscience Australia and ANSTO.

Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub manager Lucy O’Connor says SMEs play an important role in driving innovation in critical minerals supply chains.

“Scaling up and commercialising critical minerals projects requires strategic collaboration to address technical challenges and drive sustainable growth and innovation in this sector,” she said.

“This program is designed to help SMEs navigate the complex landscape of R&D within the critical minerals sector and build new collaborative projects with the support of technical experts.”

The Innovate to Grow program has been designed for companies beginning early-stage R&D or those venturing into new ideas in the critical minerals sector.

Successful companies will be given access to expert facilitators and experienced researchers who will examine technical or businesses challenges, explore R&D opportunities and develop actionable R&D business and funding plans.

“Participants will work through the self-paced materials and engage with researchers and industry experts, to advance their project idea and discuss collaboration opportunities with R&D leaders at CSIRO, other science agencies and universities,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Their professional networks will also receive a boost as they will connect with peers in their cohort, sector-specific mentors, and with CSIRO, ANSTO and Geoscience Australia, which combined have the largest mineral resources R&D capability in the world.”

API Management went through the Innovate to Grow program in 2021.

API Management principal scientist Dr Alan Ooi says the program allowed the company to expand their knowledge and understand available funding options.

“The industry has big challenges, with lots of elements that need to come together, and CSIRO is playing a key part in our research and development goals,” he said.

Applications close on April 14, 2024.