CSIRO program to boost SME recycling innovation

The latest CSIRO 'Innovate to Grow' program is offered to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working in the recycling and circular economy to advance their research goals.

Australian SMEs are invited to apply for the 8-week Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy program, delivered in partnership with Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH), which is supported by the Australian Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program.

The program is led by experienced researchers and will help participants examine technical challenges, explore R&D opportunities, and develop actionable business and funding plans for their R&D idea.

CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow was launched in 2020 and has equipped over 600 SMEs with the knowledge and tools required to progress their R&D opportunities. CSIRO’s Ending Plastic Waste Research Lead, Dr Deborah Lau, said it’s critical to bring science and industry together so we can create circular pathways for plastics and other recyclable waste.

“Over 9.5 billion tonnes of plastic waste have been produced globally since 1950, with only 9% recycled each year. This is commercially and environmentally unsustainable,” she said. "Working with SMEs is essential to unlocking R&D opportunities that accelerate breakthroughs in science and technology.

“Through this program, we aim to spark innovation that will shape a sustainable circular ecosystem for plastics and waste through recycling, redesign and reuse.”

Amy Hunter, Deakin REACH Executive Director, said SMEs and the startup sector have a tremendous opportunity to play a key role in developing greener supply chains in Australia.

“Supporting CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy program connects more businesses to Deakin through our REACH ecosystem, so we can support them to drive innovation and solve problems that will develop greener supply chains in Australia,” she said.

Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy program is open to SMEs working in the following sub-sectors:

• Organic and inorganic recycling
• Sustainable manufacturing
• Clean energy production and storage
• Supply chain waste reduction
• Waste to energy (bioenergy)
• Fibre and textiles waste
• Sustainable construction materials
   

Applications for CSIRO’s ‘Innovate to Grow: Recycling and Circular Economy’ close on 16 February 2025.

Image credit: iStock.com/AzmanL