CSIRO Kick-Start Program

The objectives of the CKSP are to:

• provide dollar-matched funding to Australian start-ups and SMEs for R&D activities with CSIRO
• support the development of prototypes, process improvements, and testing of novel materials
• deepen direct support for Australian technology start-ups and SMEs in areas of national growth priorities
• connect businesses with CSIRO’s research expertise through the national network of facilitators and contacts
• ensure end-to-end engagement, communication, and knowledge transfer between researchers and businesses

Eligible organisations:

• registered businesses with their primary place of business in Australia
• operating businesses with an Australian Company Number (ACN) or Indigenous Corporation Number (ICN)
• non-tax-exempt companies registered for GST
• businesses with less than $10M in turnover or operating expenditure (amount updated in line with the Australian Taxation Office’s definition of a small business)
• businesses that have been operating for less than three years
• Australian subsidiary companies of foreign entities are not eligible
• corporate group structures may require additional information for assessment

Additional eligibility:

• satisfactory completion of required reporting

Eligible companies can apply for a second CSIRO Kick-Start project, after completion of their first, providing they continue to fulfill the eligibility requirements and subject to availability. You cannot undertake two Kick-Start projects simultaneously.

Eligible Projects:

• research into a new idea or discovery with commercial potential
• development of a novel or improved product or process
• testing of a novel product developed by the company to inform R&D activities
• projects delivered by relevant CSIRO business units and/or facilities
• project duration of less than 1 year
• mutually agreed budget and scope of work

Assessment Process:

• applications will be assessed by the SME Connect Kick-Start review team based on eligibility guidelines
• approval is at the discretion of CSIRO, subject to program intent and fund availability
• binding agreements governing the project must be signed within 60 days of funding approval
• all applicants will be notified of the assessment outcome

Fill out the Expression of Interest form

Collaborate with a relevant CSIRO researcher or business development professional to complete the full application

Discuss with your CSIRO contacts the possibility of entering into a confidentiality agreement before disclosing confidential company information

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

• alignment with eligibility criteria
• clear project scope and objectives
• commitment to reporting
• compliance with assessment and funding requirements

Applicants must fill out the Expression of Interest form and include the following details:

Company details including:

• name
• ACN / ICN
• year of registration
• business address
• website
• contact person details
• number of employees
• brief background of the company

Project details including:

• outline of the company’s technology/product/service for further research, development, or testing
• description of the proposed CSIRO-based project activities and deliverables.
• any rough budget for these activities
• specification of how you learned about the CSIRO Kick-Start program

See the Expression of Interest form for full details of information requirements.

Applications are submitted online via email to Megan.Sebben@csiro.au

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