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Curtinnovation Awards 2026

Official Program

Order of Proceedings
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Official Welcome

Professor Melinda Fitzgerald, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Curtin University

As a university with an established reputation for innovation, Curtin excels in a diverse range of research areas that aim to make tomorrow better for people all over the world. Hear from Deputy-Vice Chancellor of Research, Professor Melinda Fitzgerald, as she explains how the Curtinnovation Awards help to showcase Curtin’s strengths in research, commercialisation and innovation.

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2026 Finalists

Celebrating Curtin University’s bold innovators.

Congratulations to our 2026 Curtinnovation Awards finalists on their innovation-driven projects.

Ai-MASS

Ai-MASS

AngelPhish

AngelPhish

Argus

Argus

ASTRAPOD

ASTRAPOD

Automated Detection of Drill Rig GPS Calibration

Automated Detection of Drill Rig GPS Calibration

Biodegradable Fertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture

Biodegradable Fertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture

Concrete HealthCheck

Concrete HealthCheck

Direct Green Lithium Extraction

Direct Green Lithium Extraction

EngageMind

EngageMind

OncoStrip

OncoStrip

PROsectionXR

PROsectionXR

Reformix Eco-Concrete

Reformix Eco-Concrete

Reinventing Fungicides with Programmable DNA Nanotechnology

Reinventing Fungicides with Programmable DNA Nanotechnology

Rhizobacterial Enhanced Seeds

Rhizobacterial Enhanced Seeds

Rivertown

Rivertown

Solar Ocean Robot

Solar Ocean Robot

SolarTherm

SolarTherm

TBIScan

TBIScan

The F-QIC

The F-QIC

Velora

Velora

A global entrepreneurial institute

Innovation is embedded in Curtin’s identity. The University has a strong history of transforming ideas into successful products, services and businesses.

Programs

The Curtinnovation Awards recognises and celebrates innovative individuals and teams. Programs such as Curtin Ignition, Curtin Accelerate and Curtin DeepStart build capability in entrepreneurial teams.

Our Curtin Venture Studio is fast tracking the building of ‘protoventures’, successful enterprises based on demand driven research.

Our Entrepreneurs in Residence program is designed to inspire and guide the next generation of entrepreneurs while the Kickstart fund fills the gap in early-stage funding.

Our annual West Tech Fest will take place from 7 to 11 December 2026 and connects the local startup ecosystem with global tech titans.

Contact us

Curtin’s commercialisation team takes ideas from infancy to commercial viability.

If you’re a potential investor scouting for opportunities or you’re a researcher, student or alumni with a great idea for an innovative product or service, contact us today for a chat.

Official Welcome

Every year, the Curtinnovation Awards showcase a remarkable blend of creativity, ambition and real‑world impact, and 2026 is no exception. This year we received 90 applications, highlighting the continued strength of Curtin’s innovation ecosystem and the entrepreneurial spirit of our staff, students, researchers and alumni.

The 20 finalists represent an impressive breadth of innovation, with projects spanning advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, health technologies, agriculture, artificial intelligence, space, sustainability and more. Together, they demonstrate how research excellence, multidisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurial thinking can generate practical solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.

Curtin University’s Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship Team continues to play a pivotal role in supporting this innovation pipeline, helping researchers and founders translate breakthrough ideas into real-world impact. Through programs including Curtin Ignition, Curtin Accelerate and Curtin DeepStart, and initiatives such as the Curtin Venture Studio, the team provides the expertise, networks and support needed to transform promising ideas into successful ventures.

The impact of this innovation ecosystem is already being realised. Last year’s overall Curtinnovation Award winner, RapidGraphite, has successfully spun out through the Curtin Venture Studio following its journey through multiple parts of Curtin’s commercialisation ecosystem. Along the way, the company participated in Curtin Ignition and Curtin Accelerate, received support through the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer, and took part in the National Energy Transition Accelerator, before being acquired earlier this year. Its journey demonstrates how coordinated support can help transform world-class research into commercially viable ventures with the potential to deliver lasting economic and societal impact.

Thank you to everyone who entered the 2026 Curtinnovation Awards. The standard of entries was exceptionally high, and I congratulate our finalists for reaching this stage. Their achievements reflect not only outstanding research and innovation, but also the perseverance, collaboration and vision required to bring new ideas to life.

I encourage you to explore the outstanding innovations presented this year and consider how your organisation might partner with these innovators. Your support and investment can shape the future, drive positive change and yield substantial returns for both academia and industry.

Professor Melinda Fitzgerald
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research
Curtin University

Ai-MASS

Ai-MASS is an automated microalgae harvesting system that combines bio-based flocculation, micro–nano-bubble flotation and AI-driven monitoring to improve harvesting efficiency while reducing energy use. Using camera-based imaging and IoT sensors, the system estimates optical density in real time to optimise harvesting conditions, reducing manual intervention and ensuring consistent performance. By integrating automation with real-time analytics, Ai-MASS offers a smart, scalable and sustainable solution for industrial microalgae production.

Team: Prof King Hann Lim, Dr Shiew Wei Lau, Prof John Sie Yon Lau, Prof Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dr Ming Chiat Law, Dr Saaveethya Sivakumar, Dr Jonathan Then Sien Phang, Dr Basil Andy Lease, Dr Emmanuel Yahaya, Leonard Umban Anak Pengarah, James Chun Ket Tai, Subha E Zannat, Mohammad Syazwan Onn, Dr Nurul Farahin Abd Wahab, Dr Norhafizzuddin Husein, Ridhwan Zhafri Kamarul Bahrim, Tengku M. Uzaini bin Tengku Mat

AngelPhish

AngelPhish is an AI-powered browser extension that helps people identify, respond to and report email scams through an empathetic, interactive interface. Rather than simply blocking suspicious emails, AngelPhish explains why a message may be fraudulent using Scamwatch and ACCC guidance, provides tailored mitigation steps if a user has already engaged with a scam, and streamlines reporting by gathering technical evidence with the user’s permission. By combining education with practical support, AngelPhish helps users navigate scams with greater confidence and clarity.

Team: Annabelle Lewkowski, William Temby, Jadenipit Tamjarion

Argus

Argus is an intelligent sensing platform designed to predict and prevent safety risks across high-risk worksites such as mines. Using modular sensor nodes equipped with mmWave radar, Argus continuously monitors interactions between workers, vehicles and infrastructure, providing real-time alerts even in dust, smoke and low-visibility conditions. The system also generates dynamic risk heatmaps and builds datasets of near-misses to improve future hazard prediction, helping organisations shift from reactive reporting to proactive safety management.

Team: Owen Mahoney

ASTRAPOD

ASTRAPOD is an onboard navigation system that enables small satellites to determine their precise orbit autonomously without relying on ground stations. Developed by Curtin University’s GNSS Research Group, the software delivers sub-metre orbital accuracy by processing positioning corrections entirely onboard using Galileo and Australian SouthPAN services. Designed as a modular software solution, ASTRAPOD supports more resilient, efficient and autonomous satellite operations while strengthening Australia’s sovereign space capabilities.

Team: Prof Ahmed El-Mowafy, Dr Amir Allahvirdi-Zadeh

Automated Detection of Drill Rig GPS Calibration Drift

The Drill Calibration Reporting Tool is a geospatial analytics application that automatically detects GPS calibration drift in mining drill rigs, improving the speed and coverage of quality assurance processes. By comparing drill hole positions identified from aerial imagery with drill records, the system identifies calibration issues at the individual rig level and produces standardised QA/QC reports for operational use. Designed for remote mine sites, the tool helps improve drilling accuracy, operational efficiency and safety.

Team: Dr Paul Hancock, Leigh Tyers, Prof Melanie Johnston-Hollitt, Arun Veluchamy, Matt Pomery, Daniel Hitchen

Biodegradable Fertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture

This biodegradable nano-fertilizer uses plant-derived materials and nanotechnology to deliver nutrients more efficiently while improving soil health in arid environments. Combined with an AI-driven machine learning framework, the system supports real-time decisions on fertilizer dosage, timing and application based on soil, climate and crop conditions. By integrating green chemistry with precision agriculture, the innovation improves crop productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Team: Reshmi S Nair, Dr Chithirai Pon Selvan

Concrete HealthCheck

Concrete HealthCheck is a drone-mounted scanning system that detects hidden damage inside concrete assets before it becomes visible. Using a pulse laser and microphone to analyse acoustic signals, the system identifies internal deterioration and creates a 3D digital twin showing the asset’s condition. This enables asset owners and managers to assess structural health, plan targeted maintenance and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure.

Team: Prof Abhijit Mukherjee, Dr Subhra Majhi, Soumen Guha

Direct Green Lithium Extraction

This innovation introduces a low-temperature, biomass-assisted process for extracting lithium directly from α-spodumene without the energy-intensive roasting required by conventional methods. Using waste biomass and a molten salt system, the process reduces energy consumption, eliminates the need for strong acids and supports a more sustainable approach to lithium production. By integrating waste materials into extraction, the technology offers a lower-carbon pathway for producing battery materials.

Team: Dr Sheila Devasahayam, Rahmadhani Triastomo

EngageMind

EngageMind is a conversational AI companion designed to support violence prevention services and online Trust and Safety teams by engaging people displaying early online risk signals. Rather than replacing practitioners, the system provides a private, low-pressure first conversation that encourages reflection and supports a safe transition to human services when appropriate. By creating an early intervention layer, EngageMind helps improve referral pathways while maintaining clear ethical boundaries.

Team: Dr Kevin Marc Blasiak

OncoStrip

OncoStrip is a digital paper-based test designed to detect early signs of cancer recurrence from a single drop of blood. Using CRISPR-based molecular detection integrated with printed paper sensors, the strip identifies circulating tumour DNA and wirelessly transmits results to a smartphone, where they are displayed as an easy-to-understand risk score. By enabling low-cost monitoring at home, OncoStrip aims to detect recurrence earlier and support more timely treatment.

Team: Dr Zihan Shen, Zoey Liu, Bella Liu

PROsectionXR

PROsectionXR is an anatomy and pathology learning application that allows students to explore and dissect photorealistic 3D models of real human cadavers using extended reality and desktop platforms. Unlike conventional anatomy software built from computer-generated models, PROsectionXR is based on real dissections and biopsies, providing a highly realistic learning experience outside specialised laboratories. Developed by an interdisciplinary Curtin team, the application supports anatomy education anytime and anywhere.

Team: Morgan Titmus, Dr Michael Ovens, Dr Hannah Radley, Dr Paul Ellery, Dr Alina Miranda, Dr Gary Whittaker, Dr Beatriz IR De Oliveira, A/Prof Petra Helmholz, Prof Zhonghua Sun

Reformix Eco-Concrete

Reformix has developed Eco-Concrete, a low-carbon alternative to conventional concrete that replaces cement with industrial by-products including fly ash, mine tailings and agricultural residues. The technology delivers the strength and durability required for construction while significantly reducing embodied greenhouse gas emissions and remaining compatible with existing concrete batch plants. By transforming waste materials into construction products, Eco-Concrete provides a practical pathway to more sustainable building.

Team: Ramon Skane, Hendrik Gildenhuys, James Sebbes, Jarrad Allery, Liam Sutton

Reinventing Fungicides with Programmable DNA Nanotechnology

This innovation uses biodegradable DNA origami nanoparticles to help protect crops from fungal pathogens without relying on conventional chemical toxicity. The programmable nanoparticles bind to the outer surface of fungal cells, disrupting early stages of fungal growth while providing a platform that can be engineered to improve targeting or deliver existing fungicides more efficiently. The technology offers a new approach to crop protection with the potential to reduce overall chemical use.

Team:Dr Elizabeth Czislowski, A/Prof Francisco Lopez-Ruiz, Dr Jessica Kretzmann

Rhizobacterial Enhanced Seeds

Rhizobacterial Enhanced Seeds incorporate high concentrations of nitrogen-fixing bacteria into specially developed seed coatings, improving crop yields while reducing fertiliser requirements. A novel moisture management process maintains bacterial viability for at least four months without refrigeration, far longer than existing products. The technology is also being adapted to support native Australian species for ecological restoration, carbon farming and other nature-positive applications.

Team: Dr Mohammad Farzam, Dr Rebecca Swift

Rivertown

Rivertown is a simulation game that helps government agencies and insurers better understand how communities make decisions about flood risk. Players take on the roles of households, insurers and government, making choices about insurance, preparedness and resource allocation while experiencing the uncertainty of flood events. By revealing the behavioural drivers behind preparedness and underinsurance, Rivertown supports more effective policy development and stronger community resilience.

Team: Dr Francesca Perugia, Dr Rebecca Scherini, Connor Goddard

Solar Ocean Robot

The solar-powered autonomous underwater robot collects ocean data continuously for months without the need for support vessels or human intervention. The platform harvests solar energy at the surface before diving to gather imagery, environmental measurements and acoustic data, transmitting information back to shore in near real time. By reducing the cost and complexity of long-duration ocean monitoring, the system makes underwater data collection more accessible at scale.

Team: Nikki Staltari, Morgan McDermont, Taylor Odishoo, Michael Bryan, William Jupp, Josh Jenkins, David Htet

SolarTherm

SolarTherm is an integrated solar façade system that transforms building walls into renewable energy-generating surfaces while improving thermal insulation. By combining façade, building envelope and solar power functions into a single system, SolarTherm expands renewable energy generation beyond rooftops and supports more energy-efficient buildings. The system also enables customised architectural designs, allowing renewable energy integration without compromising aesthetics.

Team: Nikki Zhang, Dr Alan Wei

TBIScan

TBIScan is a portable EEG-based diagnostic device that provides objective concussion assessment through automated analysis of brain activity. Combining a proprietary dry electrode headset, on-device computing and quantitative EEG analysis, the system delivers an easy-to-interpret traffic light result in real time. Designed for use from sports fields to clinical settings, TBIScan also includes a predictive module to help assess recovery and support safer return-to-activity decisions.

Team: Dr Sarah Hellewell, Caerwen Elery, Dr Tejas Canchi, Prof Soumya Ghosh

The F-QIC

The Forensic Quality Issue Classification System (F-QIC) is the world’s first software application for the standardised classification and recording of quality issues in forensic science. Designed to help forensic agencies meet accreditation requirements and improve quality management, the platform provides a consistent way to record, share and analyse issues across organisations. By supporting industry-wide trend analysis, F-QIC helps strengthen forensic practice and reduce the risk of future errors.

Team: Anna Heavey, Prof Simon Lewis, Dr Gavin Turbett, Dr Max Houck

Program of Events

12:00pm Registration
Refreshments and canapés at Champions Terrace
1:00pm Welcome to Country
Robyn Collard & Tryse Rioli
Whadjuk Yorga, Cultural Educator
1:05pm Opening Remarks
MC Rohan McDougall
Executive Director, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship, Curtin University
1:10pm Vice-Chancellor’s Address
Professor Harlene Hayne CNZM
Vice-Chancellor, Curtin University
1:15pm Curtinnovation Awards
MC Rohan McDougall
Trailblazer Award; Curtin Global Award; Learning and Teaching Award 
1:30pm Malka Foundation Address
Dr Malcolm Steinberg, Malka Foundation
Curtin Entrepreneurs Award
1:40pm Lunch Served
2:20pm Curtinnovation Awards
MC Rohan McDougall
Business and Law Award; Science and Engineering Award; Humanities Award; Health Sciences Award; Griffith Hack Overall Winner
2:45pm Vote of Thanks
Professor Melinda Fitzgerald
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Curtin University 
2:50pm Closing Remarks
MC Rohan McDougall
2:55pm Networking and Refreshments
3:00pm Official Photos
3:30pm Event Concludes

Velora

Velora is a wearable device that measures breastmilk intake during breastfeeding and displays real-time feeding data through a mobile app. By providing objective information on milk transfer and feeding patterns, the device helps mothers and clinicians identify feeding issues earlier than traditional observational methods. Velora supports more informed clinical decisions while reducing uncertainty for families during the early stages of infant care.

Team: Sian Reed, Anna Gee