[PRESS RELEASE] New platform subscription expands RUIC program reach
Announcement posted by Writers Who 20 Dec 2025
The Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program has subscribed to The Connection Table platform to expand its reach and connect innovation-driven leaders across the state's regions.
Funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by CSIRO, RUIC is designed for Queensland-based SMEs, providing support at every stage of their R&D journey.
The program offers the skills, funding, expertise, and networks necessary to drive innovation across the state's regions, including access to up to $50,000 in dollar-matched funding for collaborative research projects with partner universities across regional Queensland. RUIC's subscription to The Connection Table will increase engagement with emerging leaders who are already driving innovation across Queensland's regions. Through its Connection Table subscription, the RUIC team will:
● Access networks and industry members who may be unaware of the RUIC program
● Connect with members who understand real-world commercial challenges to better match SMEs with the research community
● Expand the reach and impact of the RUIC program across Queensland.
The subscription provides RUIC with access to The Connection Table's extensive network of rural leaders and national opportunities.
"This engagement creates a powerful combination," Jo Palmer, Co-Founder of The Connection Table stated.
"RUIC ensures Queensland SMEs have the research capabilities and funding to innovate. The Connection Table ensures the RUIC team have visibility of the national influence opportunities that can be leveraged by program participants to scale their impact beyond the immediate research projects."
In 2026 the RUIC team will host online events leveraging the Connection Table's network, focusing on agriculture, health and manufacturing.
The three RUIC facilitators based regionally across Queensland are already accessing the platform to connect with members and seek introductions to identify potential research projects.
RUIC's subscription to The Connection Table demonstrates the program's commitment to identifying and supporting leaders who are already demonstrating innovation and leadership within the regions, providing them with pathways to extend their influence nationally.
"Queensland's regions are driving genuine innovation through university partnerships," Palmer added. "Our role is ensuring these innovation leaders have the platforms to share their expertise nationally and influence the policies that support R&D across Australia."
The RUIC program supports researchers from regional Queensland universities to build industry engagement skills, connect with local businesses, and turn research into real-world impact through masterclasses and collaborative research initiatives.
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Photo: Julia Spicer OAM and Jo Palmer, The Connection Table.
About The Connection Table
The Connection Table is Australia's leading digital platform connecting rural, regional, and remote leaders with national influence opportunities including board positions, speaking engagements, and professional development. The organisation serves as a bridge between grassroots rural leadership and metro-dominated decision-making tables, addressing the confidence gap facing rural professionals and making rural voices visible in national contexts. For more information, visit theconnectiontable.com.au
About the RUIC program
Funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by CSIRO, the Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program is designed exclusively for Queensland-based SMEs, providing support at every stage of their R&D journey. The program offers skills, funding, expertise, and networks necessary to drive innovation. and ultimately establish research collaboration projects with universities across regional Queensland. For more information, visit www.csiro.au/RUIC
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jo Palmer, Co-Founder
The Connection Table
Email: connect@theconnectiontable.com.au
Phone: 0481160915
Malaika Ingram, Program Facilitator
RUIC program
Email: malaika.ingram@csiro.au
Phone: 0448293561