The CSIRO Kick-Start Program is a new initiative for innovative Australian start-ups and small SMEs, providing funding support and access to CSIRO’s research expertise and capabilities to help grow and develop their business.
The program offers eligible businesses access to dollar-matched funding of $10,000-$50,000 to undertake the following research activities with CSIRO;
- Research into a new idea with commercial potential.
- Development of a novel or improved product or process.
- Test a novel product or material developed by the company.
The CSIRO will also help with the application process.
Projects must be under 12 months in duration and businesses are required to make a cash contribution that matches the funding voucher.
To be eligible Australian businesses must have an annual turnover and operating expenditure <$1.5million, in the current and each of the two previous financial years OR have been a registered company for less than three years. They must have an ACN and be registered for GST, and be able to demonstrate they can fully support their proportion of the project funding.
Eligible companies are able to apply for a second Kick-Start project, after completion of their first, providing the total funding provided by SME Connect under CSIRO Kick-Start does not exceed $50,000.