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More than $59 million in grants from the first round of Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite program will flow to universities across Australia to support nationally significant research and commercialisation projects.
In what was a highly competitive round driven by strong interest from the university sector, 155 grants were awarded to 28 universities in AEA Ignite round 1 from 393 submissions across 35 universities.
Approximately 40 per cent (61) of the successful projects are led by women researchers, an encouraging outcome that represents a 24% increase on the number of successful grants led by women in the AEA Seed pilot.
AEA Ignite grants are designed to drive investment in key sectors, focusing on value-adding and capability development to leverage Australia’s natural and competitive strengths as outlined in the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (Priority Areas) Declaration 2023.
AEA Ignite projects are focused on one or more of 7 priority areas aligned with the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas. The breakdown of awarded grants by priority areas is:
- 46 grants for medical science
- 34 for enabling capabilities
- 32 for renewables and low emission technologies
- 22 for value-add in the agriculture forestry and fisheries sector
- 14 for value-add in resources
- 4 for transport
- 3 for defence capability.
The scope of the research supported by these Ignite grants is as broad as it is innovative, and includes projects:
- to reduce illegal fishing through satellite detection
- develop an AI enabled brain monitor to reverse paralysis
- prevent food poisoning with plasma activated water
- develop quantum automation for cyber defence
- enhance sustainable diesel production.
These and the many other industry-focused projects will contribute significantly to Australia's national priority areas, driving innovation and economic growth.
Read the full list of successful projects and follow the AEA LinkedIn page for regular updates.