Australia’s push towards a cleaner, more sustainable future is gaining momentum thanks to targeted government investment in research and innovation.
Through Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Innovate grants researchers at universities are collaborating with industry to transform Australia’s research translation and commercialisation landscape.
The AEA Innovate program provides competitive grants of up to $5 million to support mid-stage research commercialisation. These projects are aligned with national priorities and are turning promising ideas into real-world solution.
From cutting-edge clean energy systems to advanced maritime technologies, AEA-funded initiatives are paving the way for a more sustainable and innovative Australia.
Explore some of the exciting projects happening in the research space.
Green hydrogen technology to drive renewable energy targets
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have partnered with Sparc Hydrogen and Fortescue to produce world-leading work in green hydrogen technology.
The work is being conducted in the Sparc Hydrogen Advanced Research Pilot (SHARP) facility, recently commissioned at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus.
The AEA Innovate grant will allow the team to build on the capability already achieved through the facility and commence testing different reactor designs and photocatalyst materials (substances that accelerate a chemical reaction when exposed to light) to help them scale up the reactor for commercial application.
The next generation technology being pioneered has major advantages over electrolysis as it uses light energy to accelerate a chemical reaction. This means it has the potential to produce low cost, scalable green hydrogen and heat without significant electricity use.
The project will drive research that will unlock Australia’s potential for driving renewable energy and climate change targets.
Lead researcher from University of Adelaide, Dr Greg Metha
Robots to contribute to more secure national defence infrastructure
A partnership between Marintec, Navantia Australia and researchers at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has been established to progress its Multi-Robot Mission System (MRS) program in a maritime environment.
Powered by artificial intelligence, the program will enable a single operator to plan, deploy and manage a team of autonomous robots simultaneously. The system will significantly reduce the manpower required for supervision and enhance task allocation and distribution.
The project will strengthen the nation’s sovereign capabilities through the innovation and commercialisation of maritime autonomous technologies. The system will advance collaborative operations across, air, surface and sub-surface systems, contributing to more resilient and secure national defence infrastructure.
The goal is to allow the global promotion and deployment of Australian-made maritime technologies, boosting the country’s exports and reinforcing its reputation as a leader in maritime technology.
To read more AEA case studies, visit AEA News.