CSIRO launches SME grant program

A CSIRO early-career researcher grant program for small and medium businesses (SMEs) has just commenced.

The grant program is funded through the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF) STEM+ Business Fellowship program. It will place more than 35 researchers in businesses over the next five years and aims to create a cohort of industry-savvy early-career researchers.

Researcher James Zhang, from Deakin University’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation, is working with software company YTEK to develop advanced training tools for surgeons, emergency workers, soldiers and pilots.

Zhang will research machine learning algorithms that intelligently monitor and evaluate a trainee’s conduct in mission-critical simulations.

Using sensors on training tools, such as manikins, the software will help trainers to assess students in practical training and accreditation, as well as individual and group performance.

YTEK CEO Richard Yanieri said this is particularly important for medical students in clinical lessons, ensuring they have the best education possible while also making the best use of trainer time and education resources.

“We’ve been working with Deakin’s School of Medicine to understand their needs so that we can tailor a solution that works for this industry,” Yanieri said. 

Competing in an increasingly global market requires Australian SMEs to utilise leading technologies to grow and adapt.

Research can be expensive for small businesses, so this grant initiative makes it easier and more viable for SMEs to create new technologies. 

With co-investment from participating organisations, the program has the capacity to deliver $24m of research projects with Australian SMEs.

Having obtained his PhD in 2014, Zhang is keen to put his skills to the test in a commercial environment and help deliver an innovative solution to capture new business opportunities.

“This is a great opportunity for me to be directly embedded in the business and to use my expertise to help YTEK create a new product,” Zhang said.

“This new technology is the future for training delivery, so I’m pleased to be a part of it.”

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Leah-Anne Thompson