About this programme
CSIRO Kick-Start is a matched-funding program run by CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, for innovative Australian start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises. It gives eligible businesses cash-matched access to CSIRO's research expertise, facilities and capabilities to progress an early-stage R&D question the business could not otherwise afford to pursue alone.
The program funds early-stage research activities — feasibility or scoping studies, prototype development, proof-of-concept validation, and laboratory testing or data analysis — where CSIRO's scientific, technical or analytical expertise can help resolve a specific technical challenge. It is not a general business grant: the project has to align with a CSIRO research capability and have clearly defined objectives and deliverables.
CSIRO reports the program has supported 325 Australian businesses across more than 210 projects. Applications are accepted year-round rather than through fixed funding rounds.
How it works
Funding is dollar-for-dollar matched: for every cash dollar the business contributes, CSIRO matches it up to the voucher limit. The business's contribution must be cash — in-kind support (staff time, equipment access, etc.) is not accepted as the matching contribution.
CSIRO's own Eligibility and Funding page states a voucher of $20,000 to $60,000 (CSIRO's contribution), with a combined minimum project value of $20,000. Business.gov.au's listing for the program cites a $10,000-$50,000 range instead — the official CSIRO pages are not fully consistent with each other on the exact ceiling, so confirm the current figure directly with the Kick-Start team before budgeting a project.
A business can access up to two Kick-Start vouchers over time. A second voucher is only available after the first project is completed, all obligations (including an end-of-project feedback form) are fulfilled, and the new project is a genuine R&D progression rather than a repeat of the same scope.
Projects run for 2 to 12 months, depending on complexity. After an Expression of Interest is accepted, the business and CSIRO researchers jointly develop the project's milestones, timeline and cost structure, then execute a formal project agreement before the funded R&D work begins.
Who can apply
The business must meet at least one size test: annual turnover and operating expenditure under $10 million (for the current year and the prior two years), OR the business has been trading for less than three years.
The business must also meet all of: be registered for GST, hold an Australian Company Number (ACN) or Indigenous Corporation Number (ICN), be an Australian-registered entity (international companies are not eligible), and have the capacity to provide the required cash matching contribution.
The proposed project needs to require genuine scientific, technical or analytical expertise, align with a CSIRO research capability, and have objectives and deliverables that fit a 2-12 month timeframe.
How to apply
- Check eligibility against the criteria on the CSIRO Kick-Start "Eligibility and funding" page before applying.
- Download and complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form (a DOCX file provided on the CSIRO site) and email it to kickstart@csiro.au.
- CSIRO's Kick-Start team reviews the EOI for fit — alignment with CSIRO capability, clarity of the R&D question, and potential commercial or technical impact — and, where there is a match, introduces the business to a suitable research team.
- Business and researchers hold technical discussions to assess feasibility, then jointly develop project milestones, a timeline and a cost structure.
- Once terms are agreed, a funding application is submitted and a formal project agreement is executed before R&D work begins.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Expression of Interest (EOI) form (DOCX, provided by CSIRO)
- End-of-project feedback form, required to remain eligible for a second voucher
Frequently asked
How much funding does CSIRO Kick-Start provide?
CSIRO's Eligibility and Funding page states a matched voucher of $20,000 to $60,000 (CSIRO's contribution, matched dollar-for-dollar by the business in cash). Business.gov.au's summary of the same program instead cites $10,000-$50,000, so the two official listings don't fully agree — confirm the current ceiling with the Kick-Start team (kickstart@csiro.au) before relying on a specific figure.
Does the business contribution have to be cash?
Yes. CSIRO's matching requires a cash contribution from the business — in-kind support such as staff time or equipment access does not count toward the match.
Is there an application deadline?
No. Applications are accepted year-round rather than in fixed rounds, so a business can submit an Expression of Interest at any time.
Can a business apply for Kick-Start more than once?
A business can access up to two Kick-Start vouchers. A second voucher requires completing the first project, meeting all its obligations including the end-of-project feedback form, and proposing genuinely new R&D rather than repeating the prior scope.
Who is eligible for CSIRO Kick-Start?
Australian-registered businesses that are GST-registered, hold an ACN or ICN, and either have annual turnover and operating expenditure under $10 million or have been trading for less than three years — plus the ability to provide the required cash matching contribution and a project that fits CSIRO research capability.
What kind of projects does Kick-Start fund?
Early-stage R&D activities that need CSIRO's scientific, technical or analytical expertise, such as feasibility or scoping studies, prototype development, proof-of-concept validation, or laboratory testing and data analysis. It does not fund capital works or infrastructure investment.
How long does a Kick-Start project run?
Projects typically run for 2 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the R&D question and the scope agreed between the business and the CSIRO research team.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.