High-tech Curtin University inventions that could transform surgeries, map bushfire risk and aid blind athletes are among the 19 standout finalists in the 2025 Curtinnovation Awards.
Selected from a record-breaking 109 entries, this year's finalists span a diverse range of sectors including health, artificial intelligence, sustainability, mining and education.
Curtin University Executive Director of Commercialisation Rohan McDougall said the record submissions reflected a growing culture of entrepreneurship and commercial thinking.
"This year's Curtinnovation Awards experienced a surge in submissions, attracting a broad scope of projects highlighting Curtin's strength in translating research into real-world solutions," Mr McDougall said.
"These awards are more than recognition - they play a critical role in connecting Curtin's innovators with industry, government and investors in WA and beyond."
Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Melinda Fitzgerald congratulated the finalists for their outstanding work.
"From smarter logistics to safer surgeries, our University is at the forefront of discovering new and innovative ways to improve lives, protect our environment and support industry," Professor Fitzgerald said.
"The Curtinnovation Awards celebrate the incredible talent across our campuses and I look forward to seeing the impact these innovations have as they continue their journey from lab to launch."
Among the finalists this year is Pyromantis, a five-camera system carried by balloon that maps bushfire risk. Built by students from Curtin's Binar Space Program, it measures fuel loads and vegetation moisture loss.
Also shortlisted is Beeper Ball, which is changing the game for blind soccer players. The ball emits a sound that helps players locate it, and forms part of a broader assistive sports kit co-developed with Blind Sports WA.
The full list of Curtinnovation Awards finalists includes:
- AR Construction Safety Tool - Uses augmented reality to simulate and train workers on real-world construction hazards.
- Aura CXR - AI software that analyses chest X-rays and generates reports within seconds.
- Beeper Ball - A sound-emitting soccer ball enabling blind players to enjoy the game with greater independence.
- Bio-Refining of Abattoir Waste - A modular, zero-waste process promoting the conversion of abattoir blood waste into bio-fertiliser, biochar and biomass-based carbon capture materials.
- Cellulose Wound Patches - Medical-grade bacterial cellulose wound patches grown from coconut water, vinegar and hibiscus.
- CuddleCup - A self-heating, portable baby bottle pouch designed to warm milk on demand without equipment or power.
- Waste to Bioplastic - A zero-waste, energy-efficient method for turning algae and agricultural waste into eco-friendly bioplastics.
- Gel-based water sensor - A portable, affordable and user friendly point-of-use water sensor which can detect water contaminants like BPA using electrochemical signals.
- Indrus - Transforms standard CCTV into a GPS-like tracking system for vehicles and equipment in ports and yards.
- Mechanochemical Lithium Extraction - A greener, cost-effective method to extract lithium from rock using ball milling and water-based leaching.
- Minerva - A virtual reality tool helping surgeons and radiologists explore 3D medical images for better surgical planning.
- NeuroPose - Uses radar and AI to track a patient's head position during surgery to improve safety during brain surgeries.
- Organic Oceans - A seaweed-based gut health supplement called SeaSoothe, cultivated in land-based farms, to help manage inflammation and support the microbiome balance.
- Pyromantis - A student-built camera system flown via balloon to map vegetation fuel loads and detect bushfire risk.
- RapidGraphite - A new method that uses renewable energy to create synthetic graphite for batteries, cutting emissions and cost.
- RetiDrop - A nanotech eye drop offering non-invasive treatment for retinal diseases like macular degeneration.
- Rockfall AI - Real-time rockfall detection using thermal imaging with AI for safer mining operations.
- SmartBuddy - An AI-powered, offline learning toy that helps children learn through speech-based interaction.
- Upcycling Offshore Assets - Embeds decommissioned oil and gas infrastructure into concrete for sustainable coastal protection.
The winners of the Curtinnovation Awards will be announced on August 29. The awards are proudly sponsored by the Malka Foundation and the Department of Education. For more information, visit here.
