CSIRO On Accelerate

CSIRO On Accelerate

Supports Australian science-based startups with six-month acceleration, mentorship, and early-stage equity from CSIRO pathways.

CSIRO On Accelerate is a deep-tech accelerator programme operated by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia's national science agency. The programme targets science-based startups emerging from Australian universities and research institutions, providing a structured six-month cohort-based acceleration experience that combines equity investment with intensive mentorship and access to CSIRO's scientific infrastructure and expert networks. On Accelerate is positioned within CSIRO's broader ON innovation programme suite, which is oriented toward building deep-tech venture capacity among researchers and early-stage founders.

Equity investment under the programme ranges from approximately AUD 100,000 (around USD 66,000) to AUD 200,000 (around USD 132,000) per participating company, taken in exchange for a minority equity stake. Eligibility is open to for-profit Australian entities connected to university or research-institution lineage; non-profits and universities may also participate in certain circumstances. The programme is sector-agnostic, meaning it accepts deep-tech startups across all scientific domains rather than restricting to specific industries. CSIRO's SME programs have collectively supported more than 2,500 startups and SMEs, invested over AUD 240 million in R&D, and alumni companies have a combined valuation exceeding AUD 25 billion.

For founders assessing fit, On Accelerate is most relevant to research-derived startups at a pre-Series A stage where the primary need is not just capital but validation, network access, and commercialisation strategy. The programme's direct connection to CSIRO's scientific capabilities makes it particularly attractive for founders seeking credibility with downstream investors and partners in technically demanding sectors.