CSIRO Kick-Start

About this grant

CSIRO Kick-Start provides matched funding for start-ups and small to medium enterprises to help access CSIRO's research expertise and capabilities to help grow your business.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Start-ups and small to medium enterprises.
• The csiro kick-start program provides matched funding to australian start-ups and very small sme’s to utilise csiro expertise to undertake research activities that will enable your business to:
• Research a new idea with commercial potential
• Develop a novel or improved product or process
• Test a novel product or material
• Funding may be used to cover the costs of undertaking the project, and may include:
• Salary and on-costs of researcher(s)
• Travel and accommodation (if required)
• External facilities access/services/contractor costs
• Funding may not be used for capital works and expenditure or infrastructure costs.
• Dollar-matched funding of between $10,000 and $50,000 is available. eligible businesses are able to apply for a second kick-start project, after completion of their first, providing the total funding received does not exceed $50,000.
• Have an australian company number (acn)
• Be registered for goods and services tax (gst)
• Have your primary place of business within australia
• Demonstrate the ability to dollar-match the funding
• Have an annual turnover of less than $10 million, in the current and each of the 2 previous financial years, or
• Have been a registered company for less than 3 years
• Eligibility criteria also apply to the proposed project.
• Cash flow support for aboriginal and torres strait islander owned businesses
• Low-interest loans for disaster affected primary producers
• Free, independent legal advice for workplace issues

What the funding covers

• Matched funding between $10K and $50K.

How to apply

1. 1Confirm readiness: Ensure you meet criteria (e.g., ABN, turnover limits, GST registration), align project objectives with grant goals, and estimate time for evidence gathering and writing.
2. 2Gather evidence: Collect documents like financials, business plans, market research, project budgets, resumes, risk analysis, and support letters to prove capability and impact.
3. 3Register/log in: Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) if needed, sign into the relevant portal (e.g., Business Grants Hub portal), and note any prerequisites like advisory service reports.
4. 4Prepare and write application: Address all selection criteria clearly (project details, government alignment, costs, outcomes, benefits); keep concise, factual, and compelling; validate for completeness.
5. 5Review, approve, and submit: Proofread, get stakeholder sign-off, submit online via the portal before deadline (no late entries); expect eligibility check, merit assessment, and outcome notification.
6. 6Visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/csiro-kickstart for application details

Application tips