From solar-powered hydrogen reactors to wi-fi that works deep underground, 39 research projects have been awarded support through the Albanese Government's Australia's Economic Accelerator (AEA) Innovate program.
More than $93 million in grants has been awarded to projects including:
- A cleaner energy future - The University of Adelaide is working with industry to develop a solar hydrogen reactor that could dramatically cut the cost of green hydrogen production.
- Smarter farming - The University of Melbourne is developing an affordable soil monitoring system for shallow and deep-rooted crops, helping farmers grow more with less.
- Safer mining - The University of Sydney is creating a long-range wi-fi system to keep underground workers connected in real time.
- High-tech weed control - Central Queensland University is teaming up with Aussie businesses to create an innovative weed management system that reduces the need for chemicals.
These projects are part of a broader push to fast-track commercialisation of Australian research in critical areas like renewables, agriculture, medical technology, defence and critical minerals.
AEA is designed to bridge the gap between research and real-world application and help researchers partner with industry to take ideas out of the lab and into the economy.
The Olives the Australian Way project from the University of South Australia is an example of AEA in action. Starting in the Seed round and now progressing to Innovate, the project aims to double Australia's olive plantations by 2035 and create new jobs in rural and regional areas.
More than $178 million has now been awarded to Australian innovators through AEA Seed, Ignite and Innovate rounds as part of the $1.6 billion AEA program.
The next round of Ignite and Innovate grants will open on 23 July, making an additional $150 million available to projects with potential to deliver the next wave of breakthroughs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
"These investments allow our world-class universities and researchers to work on game-changing projects that are good for our economy and good for Australia.
"This is a strategic investment that will help to deliver the solutions we need for the challenges ahead."
