Are you a researcher working in an Australian university with a passion for transforming cutting-edge research into the products and services of the future? Applications are now open for Round 2 of Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Innovate and Ignite grant programs.
The AEA Innovate and Ignite grants will provide $150 million in funding to commercialise research through Australian research universities and their industry partners.
Ignite grants offer up to $500,000 over 12 months to help researchers at Australian universities carry out standard research, laboratory testing and prove their ideas can work in real-world industry settings.
Innovate grants offer up to $5 million over 24 months to help researchers turn proven ideas into products or services that are ready for the market.
Successful recipient from AEA Innovate Round 1, Dr Nahina Islam from Central Queensland University, is using the funding to advance an AI-driven smart weed detection and management system.
“AEA Innovate funding will play a crucial role in advancing our artificial intelligence (AI)-driven smart weed detection and management system,” Dr Islam said.
“This support will enable us to enhance system integration, improve performance, and conduct extensive field testing across diverse agricultural environments. With this funding, we aim to refine the AI algorithms for higher weed detection accuracy, targeting approximately 90 per cent.
“Our project addresses one of the most pressing challenges in Australian agriculture-weed infestations, which cost the sector nearly $5 billion annually. By introducing a targeted, AI-enabled weed management system, our solution will significantly reduce the financial burden on farmers while minimising the environmental harm caused by excessive herbicide use.
“The long-term benefits will extend beyond farms, promoting food security, environmental stewardship, and economic growth in rural communities.”
More than $93 million was awarded to 39 research commercialisation projects under AEA Innovate Round 1, while 155 research grants were awarded to 28 Australian universities under the first round of AEA Ignite.
Innovate and Ignite grants form part of the Australian Government’s investment to support work to build sovereign capability, support innovation, increase job growth and improve economic productivity.
To find out how to apply for AEA Innovate and Ignite grants, visit: Australia's Economic Accelerator.