The CSIRO R&D program is helping to mitigate the growing threat of cyber attacks in Australia by providing free research and development services to businesses in the cyber security industry.
CSIRO is offering a free, 10-week online Innovate to Grow programme to support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) working on new cyber security solutions with research and development expertise.
Participants may receive support from CSIRO after completing the program, to connect with research expertise across the country, along with dollar-matched R&D funding.
CSIRO’s Data 61 Group Leader Surya Nepal says cyber security attacks were a growing threat across the world impacting many different types of sectors.
“Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to perpetrate cybercrimes, which can have serious consequences for businesses and consumers.” says Dr Nepal.
Australian Cyber Security Centre, an annual increase of 13 per cent of reports of cybercrime in the 2020-21 financial year has been observed.
CSIRO’s SME Connect Deputy Director George Feast says to stay ahead of these, new solutions are required.
According to Dr Feast, a lot of this can be driven by SMEs – who make up 99.8% of all Australian businesses – developing new cyber products and services powered by R&D.
“Through our Innovate to Grow program, we invite participants to come with a specific cyber security commercial idea they’d like to explore.”
“However, R&D can be an expensive undertaking for businesses and risky for those without the right guidance and support.”
“Much of this can be driven by SMEs – who make up 99.8 per cent of all businesses in Australia – developing new cyber products and services powered by R&D,” says Dr Feast.
Over 10 weeks we’ll step businesses through how to refine their idea, to understand its research viability, and begin engaging a university or research institution to deliver a collaborative R&D project,” he said.
CSIRO research released last year found that collaboration is essential for driving strong R&D outcomes, but only 15% of Australian businesses engage universities or research institutions for innovation activities.
Dr Feast says, “Our goal is to up that percentage,”
Through Data61, CSIRO’s data and digital specialist arm, businesses will gain access to CSIRO’s cyber security expertise.
In addition, industry knowledge will be available, innovation experts will speak, and R&D mentors will assist with research and development.
Rezilens Operations Project Manager Corey Fraser, whose company helps make enterprise-level cybersecurity both affordable and accessible to Australian SMEs, completed the Innovate to Grow: Cyber Security program earlier this year.
According to Mr Fraser this was essentially the first opportunity to pursue formal R&D, as we’re still fairly young – just under two years in operation
“What was really appealing for us through this program was the exposure to academics and NGOs in the security space, along with the associated benefit of learning from their industry expertise. And finding out about how we could access potential funding opportunities.”
“I’d recommend this program for other start-ups who typically lack the capital and time to pursue these sorts of activities.
“Having the experience coordinated by CSIRO really aided in the structure and consistency of the program, and the lack of associated costs was a huge plus as well,” says Mr Fraser.
Companies that provide online services in fields like health and agriculture can work directly in cyber security or other industries that offer online solutions and desire to boost cyber security aspects of their services.
The CSIRO Innovate to Grow: Cyber Security programme begins December 1st and is accessible to 20-25 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The programme will pause over Christmas and New Year. Applications must be submitted by November 7th: https://www.csiro.au/Cyber-Security.
The Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources provides funding for the program through the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund.
