Researchers, startup founders or SME teams – get ON board
CSIRO’s ON innovation program for researchers has been building entrepreneurial and commercialisation skills of Australian researchers since 2015, and it’s back for another round!Its free ON Prime and ON Accelerate programs have given thousands of researchers the skills to take their research and tech from concept to reality and further develop their high potential innovative ventures.Want to take your research to the next stage but not sure where to start? Read on to discover the benefits of our programs – applications are open!
What is the ON Program?
The ON Program is focused on helping researchers and scientists navigate the commercialisation journey and bring their ideas to market.
Why take part?
For many, the CSIRO ON innovation program has been transformational because it’s helped them build on their commercialisation toolbox.
Researchers often talk about the roadblocks and obstacles they face on the complex pathway to research translation and commercialisation. These barriers include everything from securing funding and partnerships, to developing a viable business plan, to understanding legal and regulatory constraints. Nick Rakis, a long-time facilitator of our ON Program, said participants soon realise the many benefits of joining the program.
“One of the most important realisations for ON Program teams is the importance of collaboration. They also experience a shift in mindset when it comes to their research,” Nick said. “They come out at the end of the process and view their research in a new light with new insights into how it could be used to create real-world impact. Teams also form new relationships with other program participants that uplift and help them to focus on how to better engage with industry.”
Access to domain experts, coaches and resources
The ON Program provides mentorship, resources, and funding to help turn cutting-edge research into successful start-ups or commercial products.
Dana Bradford is the Principal Research Scientist at our digital health research program, the Australian e-Health Research Centre (AEHRC). She said her team got a lot out of recently taking part in ON Prime 12.
“Our team found the resources shared with us to be wonderfully beneficial. They were easy to follow, extremely practical and can be applied to any future research projects, “ Dana said. “We were also extremely grateful to be paired with an industry mentor who was very generous with their time, commercialisation expertise and business nous.“The program content and delivery created a fun experience. Every researcher who wants to to learn to navigate the complex process of commercialisation but needs a place to start, should consider ON Prime.”
Teams interested in joining ON programs can access financial assistance including up to $5,000 to build their engagement and learning velocity skills with the ON Prime program. A further $180,000 in grant payments are available to teams who want to participate in ON Accelerate.
Who should apply and next steps?
If you’re a researcher interested in achieving impact or entrepreneurship and have an idea that you believe has the potential to change the world, the ON Program can help turn your idea into reality.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or are well along the way, apply today and see what the future holds.
How to apply and key dates
Applications for ON Prime and ON Accelerate are now open. ON Prime applications close on Monday 31 July. ON Accelerate applications close on Friday 18 August.
Have a question?
Please contact the team via email on@csiro.au