Dr Mateus Oliveira Silva

Dr Mateus Oliveira Silva is the SME Strategy Manager within CSIRO SME Connect and is based in Clayton, VIC.

The CSIRO SME Strategy aims to double the number of SMEs engaging with publicly-funded research to drive innovation in Australia and to make CSIRO an exemplary R&D provider. Mateus works across several key activities that assist in achieving the goals of the SME Strategy.

Mateus manages the SME Strategy KPIs, including conducting data analysis, optimising metrics, and managing reporting to showcase the impact of CSIRO’s SME programs. He also coordinates stakeholder engagement within the organisation, leading key SME-related reporting processes.

Mateus oversees the operations of collaborative projects external stakeholders, such as the Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) Program, where he manages program design and supports stakeholder engagement and recruitment. He also collaborates with partners from UQ and QUT to investigate commercialisation outcomes from research projects between SMEs and research organisations.

Mateus leads the SME Champions, a network of representatives from seven Business Units focused on enhancing SME engagement across CSIRO. The network facilitates shared learning, feedback, and increased connections, helping to amplify the adoption of SME programs and tools.

Since joining SME Connect in 2021, Mateus has promoted the wide range of CSIRO SME offerings at conferences, universities, and multiple events in the Australian innovation ecosystem. Mateus also worked as a facilitator for the Kick-Start Program, which provides dollar-matched funding to SMEs to perform R&D projects with CSIRO. Mateus consistently provides effective data solutions, strategic advice, management, and, leadership, significantly contributing to CSIRO's mission of bridging the gap between Australia’s R&D and SMEs.

Mateus is the Deputy Lead of the Pride@CSIRO Network, playing a key role in promoting diversity and inclusion within CSIRO. His leadership has contributed to advancing inclusive leadership practices and diverse recruitment processes as well as delivering CSIRO’s participation in the Sydney Mardi Gras.

Before joining CSIRO, Mateus worked on a wide variety of multidisciplinary research projects in global leading institutions, such as the University of Melbourne, Harvard University and NASA. He is also an IMNIS alumnus, an award-winning industry-led initiative of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE). Mateus was also nominated as an ambassador for the ATSE through the 2022 IMNIS Catalyst program.