Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has secured more than $2.7 million in federal funding under the Australian Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite program, supporting seven research teams developing technologies with strong commercial and real-world impact

The funding forms part of the Australian Government’s $725 million national investment to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions, spanning advanced manufacturing, clean energy, healthcare, agriculture, water security, and biotechnology.

The successful QUT projects range from turning biomass waste into next-generation battery materials, to protecting wine grapes from bushfire smoke, and enabling privacy-preserving AI for healthcare collaboration, reinforcing QUT’s position as a leader in industry-engaged, application-driven research.

Turning Waste into Advanced Battery Materials

Led by Dr Zengji Yue from QUT’s School of Chemistry and Physics, a $308,610 project is developing laser-induced graphene sheets from biomass waste for use in battery and electronic thermal management systems. Using materials such as leaves, grass, sawdust, and food waste, the team aims to create cost-effective, flexible graphene sheets that dissipate heat more efficiently than conventional materials. Industry partners include Elumina Global and Auziq.

Privacy-Preserving AI for Healthcare Collaboration

A $493,938 project, led by Adjunct Professor Melvyn Bridges, is advancing a decentralised medical AI system known as AI-To-Data (ATD). The technology enables hospitals and digital health developers to collaborate by sharing AI knowledge rather than sensitive patient data, strengthening privacy while improving model performance. Industry partners include ATD AI and CSIRO.

Portable Sensors to Protect the Wine Industry

In response to growing bushfire risks, Associate Professor Soniya Yambem is leading a $455,847 project to develop portable smoke-taint sensors for wine grapes. Using advanced molecular detection technology, the sensors will allow growers to identify smoke contamination before fermentation, reducing losses and protecting the global reputation of Australian wine. The project is supported by Wine Australia.

Sustainable Sodium-Ion Batteries from Industrial Waste

A $339,554 project led by Dr Jiaye Ye is repurposing lignin waste from the paper and forestry industries to improve sodium-ion battery performance. By enhancing battery separators with chemically modified lignin, the team aims to deliver safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable energy storage solutions, in partnership with Elumina Global.

Scaling Biocatalytic Production of Rare Cannabinoids

Led by Dr Carlos Luna-Flores, a $299,986 project is accelerating the commercial production of rare, non-psychoactive cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp. The technology converts abundant precursors into high-value compounds with therapeutic potential, including cannabichromene (CBC), in collaboration with industry partner Hale Farm.

Low-Emission Solutions for Water Security

A $408,335 project led by Professor Yang Liu is advancing low-emission granular sludge reactor technology to simultaneously remove ammonia and PFAS “forever chemicals” from wastewater. Early trials show strong potential for utilities to meet tightening environmental regulations without costly infrastructure upgrades. Industry partners include Melbourne Water, Queensland Water Directorate, and regional councils across Australia.

Replacing Animal-Derived Materials in Biomedical Research

In biotechnology, Dr Jacqui McGovern is leading a $470,364 project to develop photocrosslinkable lung extracellular matrix hydrogels for growing human organoids. The Australian-made biomaterial aims to replace variable animal-derived products currently used in pharmaceutical research, supporting reproducibility, non-animal testing, and advanced biomanufacturing. The project is partnered with Gelomics.

Accelerating Research to Market

Collectively, the seven projects reflect QUT’s focus on translational research, industry partnership, and scalable solutions to global challenges across energy, health, climate resilience, and advanced manufacturing.

The Australian Economic Accelerator Ignite program is designed to bridge the gap between research and industry adoption, helping Australia’s most promising innovations move faster from the laboratory to the marketplace.