In a significant boost to Australian industry and scientific innovation, the Albanese Government has announced over $55 million in funding for groundbreaking projects in critical sectors. Speaking in Perth, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic highlighted the government’s focus on fostering Australia’s global competitiveness through investment in science and technology.

Fueling Industry Innovation

The funding, part of the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Round 16, supports 23 projects nationwide, aiming to unite industry and research expertise. Since 1990, the CRC Program has driven commercialization across key sectors, including agriculture, clean energy, and health, significantly impacting the nation’s industrial growth. Minister Husic emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, "More than $55 million for scaling up good ideas is what will help drive business in the longer term."

Key Funding Highlights: Critical Minerals and Renewable Energy

Perth-based CPC Engineering received nearly $3 million to advance its mineral separation technology, developed with Edith Cowan University. This new technology reduces waste and cuts costs for mineral processors, contributing to Australia's position as a leader in critical minerals. Minister Husic commended the work, noting its potential environmental and economic benefits.

In renewable energy, WaveX secured $2.4 million to develop offshore anchors for wave and wind energy, in partnership with the University of Western Australia. As the nation pushes to become a renewable energy leader, projects like WaveX’s could be instrumental in tapping into marine energy resources.

Boosting Medical Innovation and Sector-Specific Technologies

Victoria-based NanoCube Health was awarded $3 million to advance pancreatic cancer diagnostics, while South Australia's Miniprobes will use a $1.5 million grant to enhance an AI-enabled scanner for beef quality assessment. In New South Wales, Atomo Diagnostics received $2.4 million to create an at-home syphilis test capable of distinguishing between active and past infections. Emesent in Queensland also gained $2.4 million to advance an autonomous mining data platform, aiming to improve safety and efficiency in Australia’s mining industry.

Building an Innovation-Driven Future

These CRC grants foster partnerships that transform research into practical, market-ready solutions. By enabling cross-sector collaborations, the government seeks to improve the productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of Australian industries.

With these grants, the Albanese Government demonstrates its commitment to shaping an Australia that not only competes globally but also thrives through sustainability and technological advancement. By supporting projects from mineral processing to offshore renewable energy and medical diagnostics, Australia is laying the groundwork for a future driven by cutting-edge solutions and resilient industries. Minister Husic’s announcement signals a robust investment in Australia’s innovative capabilities, one that will likely yield economic, environmental, and social benefits in the years to come.