More than $93 million has been awarded in grants to 39 research commercialisation projects under Round 1 of the Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Innovate program.
AEA brings together research and industry to create investor-ready commercial enterprises to provide jobs of the future in priority industries.
AEA Innovate grants support proof-of-scale commercialisation projects through competitive grants of up to $5 million for a maximum period of 24 months.
Grants were awarded in critical areas of national priority including:
- 11 for enabling capabilities
- 10 for renewables and low emission technologies
- 6 for value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries
- 6 for value-add in resources
- 3 for defence capability
- 3 for medical science
Successful recipient, Professor Yonghui Li from the University of Sydney is developing the world’s first long-range Wi-Fi system to address connectivity challenges in industries operating in remote and harsh environments, such as mining and agriculture.
“AEA Innovate funding will play a crucial role in accelerating the development and deployment of long-range Wi-Fi,” said Professor Li.
“Without Innovate funding support, these critical activities would face significant delays, slowing down deployment and potentially weakening our competitive advantage. The funding will ensure we maintain momentum, maximize impact, and bring transformative connectivity solutions to industries that urgently need them.
“The system will also play a pivotal role in enhancing worker safety by enabling real-time tracking, seamless emergency communication, and faster response times in high-risk underground environments.
“As industries worldwide continue to rely on robust connectivity, long-range Wi-Fi’s adaptability and versatility will support innovation and improve communication infrastructure, benefiting workers, communities, and the environment in a variety of sectors.”
More than $178 million has now been awarded to Australian innovators through AEA Seed, Ignite and Innovate rounds.
The next round of Ignite and Innovate grants will open later in the month, making an additional $150 million available to projects with the potential to deliver the next wave of breakthroughs.
To find out more about the successful projects, visit: Australia’s Economic Accelerator.