Original Release Date: 13 July 2023

This training session covered outcomes from Round 1 of the National Industry PhD Program, with successful projects now listed on the Department of Education website. Directors are identifying six ready-to-go projects to showcase at National Science Week in August. Ron Mac, who has extensive experience in commercialisation and industry-university partnerships, presented on research-industry collaboration for long-term benefits. He emphasised the programme's goal to strengthen new engagements between SMEs and universities, noting that Round 1 applications mostly involved existing collaborations. Future rounds should better articulate commercial benefits to industry partners and wider economic impacts. Ron also discussed strategies for promoting the programme through university commercialisation teams, industry associations, local government networks, and startup communities to attract new SME participants.