The program focuses on different areas, including genetics, aquatic animal health, and nutrition.
CSIRO
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has announced a new edition of its Innovate to Grow program, aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the aquaculture sector.
The eight-week online initiative, led by Australia's national science agency, aims to help SMEs transform early-stage ideas into viable research and development (R&D) projects.
The free program will also connect participants with researchers and industry experts. Since its launch in 2020, more than 900 SMEs have taken part in the initiative.
"Innovate to Grow connects SMEs with researchers and provides them with a clear, practical process to identify the research their ideas truly require," said CSIRO's Aquaculture Research Director, Mat Cook.
The program is open to SMEs developing solutions in the following areas: breeding and genetics, aquatic animal health, nutrition, production systems and optimisation, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, sustainability and circular aquaculture, packaging, and Indigenous-led aquaculture.
Among the participating companies is Bio Tribute Systems, an Australian startup developing circular innovations to improve soil health and support environmental restoration.
Commenting on the initiative, Bio Tribute Systems Director Rebecca Parlett said: "The program helped me realise that my project was not simply about developing a product, but also required regulatory clarification, independent validation, a funding strategy, and a staged evidence pathway."
