The inaugural cohort of the India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator has been announced, with 15 Australian and Indian startups and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) selected to participate in Round 1 of the Program.
Delivered in collaboration between CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)-NITI Aayog (the Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship), the Program supports startups and SMEs with innovative climate and environment technology considering expansion between India and Australia.
CSIRO's 'Forging Sustainable Change' panel showcased the program's inaugural cohort. Pictured: Consul General of India, Sydney, Dr. S. Janakiraman, Australia India Institute CEO Lisa Singh, and guests.
Over the next nine months, the startups and SMEs will engage in virtual and in-person learning, tailor-made to help scale their science and technology led solutions across borders. With a focus on developing effective cross-border business, research and development, and commercialisation networks the Program is connecting both nations’ industry and R&D ecosystems.
The cohort met in Sydney for the Program’s first Immersion Week last week (15-19 April), where participants were able to network and engage in site visits, pitching and business strategy sessions with experts and the RISE delivery team from both countries.
Tamara Ogilvie, CSIRO’s RISE Accelerator Program Director, highlighted the diverse innovations within the cohort, which focusses on circular economy solutions in Round 1.