CSIRO to help healthcare technology developers

CSIRO is seeking developers of digital health and medical technologies to apply for its next Innovate to Grow program.

The 10-week free program is open to applications from start-ups through to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The program is designed to assist businesses operating in critical sectors advance innovative technologies and ideas through R&D.

CSIRO’s biomedical manufacturing research director Professor Susie Nilsson said: “Developing a sustainable product in the digital health and medical technology sectors is a challenging and often underestimated process. The daunting task of navigating stringent testing and product development processes can be particularly overwhelming for SMEs.

“Innovate to Grow presents a unique opportunity for businesses to gain valuable insights from industry experts about how research and development collaboration can help take their technology to the next level; in particular the way in which businesses can advance from a research idea to a tangible R&D opportunity.”

Program participants will collaborate with a mentor from CSIRO or a university to address technical and business challenges while exploring R&D opportunities, gain insight into partnering with research organisations and how to develop compelling applications for R&D funding.  

CSIRO SME Connect program advisor Liz Crompton said that to date the Innovate to Grow program had helped more than 500 businesses and many of those that had completed the program had initiated R&D projects with CSIRO or another research organisation within 12 months.

SME Connect participants may be eligible for dollar-matched R&D funding through the CSIRO Kick-Start program.

CSIRO is specifically seeking applications from digital health sub-sectors:

• Therapeutics and care
• Health system analytics
• Biomedical informatics and data modelling

And medical technology sub-sectors:

• Diagnostics, biosensors, and biomedical devices
• Drug discovery
• Vaccines and biologic therapeutics

Applications from other areas will also be considered.

Applications for the program close on Sunday 18 February. The program starts on 14 March.

Image: CSIRO recognises challenges in developing healthcare products are often underestimated.