{"id":8747,"date":"2022-07-01T15:51:06","date_gmt":"2022-07-01T07:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?page_id=8747"},"modified":"2026-05-14T13:28:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T05:28:29","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":4275,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"4871,4709,8087,8490,6911,4691","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8747","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"page_components":false,"controls":{"page_switch_toggle":false,"support_toggle":false,"breadcrumb_toggle":true,"navi_toggle":true,"section_nav_toggle":true},"homepage":{"":null,"featured":{"heading":"Featured","articles":[31156,31125,31107]},"popular":{"heading":"Popular","articles":[{"ID":31082,"post_author":"4457","post_date":"2026-04-30 09:51:24","post_date_gmt":"2026-04-30 01:51:24","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Some of Australia\u2019s most exciting new startups have received a major boost, with Curtin University\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/engage\/entrepreneurs\/accelerate\/\">Accelerate<\/a> program helping the next generation of entrepreneurs secure investment, commercial deals and rapid market traction in a matter of weeks.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Running since 2013, Curtin Accelerate is a free program providing business owners the skills and networks needed to quickly and effectively take their innovative product or service to market, thanks to guidance from world-leading innovators and startup founders.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In just 12 weeks, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/media-release\/curtin-accelerate-to-propel-wa-businesses-to-new-heights-in-2026\/\">2026 cohort<\/a> has translated ideas into real-world ventures with funding, product launches and industry partnerships.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This year\u2019s successes include:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Two startups securing investment funding during the program;<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Suss Beauty developing a proprietary waterless skincare formulation;<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.safecallup.com.au\/\">Safe Call Up<\/a> winning a pilot contract with a major Western Australian hospital for its discrete safety-monitoring app for family and domestic violence survivors;<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Aisembl\u2019s design-to-documentation platform for homeowners and professionals progressing from an idea to being customer-tested in-market.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Safe Call Up founder Kristy Gallagher said the program had been instrumental in helping the company reach key milestones.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s clear the program is deeply invested in founder success and being surrounded by a cohort of high-calibre startups makes it an even more powerful experience,\u201d Ms Gallagher said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sunfish Robotics co-founder Nikki Staltari said Curtin Accelerate had been incredibly valuable for the company at this stage of its journey.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThe quality of mentors and presenters, who all bring real, lived experience, is exceptional and the resources available during and after the program are unmatched,\u201d Ms Staltari said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Curtin University Director of Entrepreneurship <a href=\"https:\/\/staffportal.curtin.edu.au\/staff\/profile\/view\/danelle-cross-49e5a677\/\">Danelle Cross<\/a> said the results showed how Accelerate was a direct pipeline from innovation to commercial success, by helping founders build scalable, investment-ready businesses at speed.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re seeing Western Australian founders turn strong ideas into serious commercial ventures, attracting investment and gaining real traction in market,\u201d Ms Cross said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cCurtin Accelerate is about giving entrepreneurs the tools, networks and confidence to grow quickly \u2014 and the outcomes this year show just how powerful that support can be and are a clear signal of investor confidence in WA entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThese are the kinds of businesses that have the potential to scale, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the State\u2019s economy.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Several of this year\u2019s ventures progressed from early-stage concepts to viable products deployed in-market within the program\u2019s 12-week timeframe \u2014 the fastest progression recorded to date \u2014 while others generated pre-sales and early revenue.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ms Cross said the results reinforce Curtin Accelerate\u2019s role in backing founders who are building the State\u2019s future industries.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThis is about backing people with the ambition and capability to build the next generation of WA businesses,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re not just supporting startups \u2014 we\u2019re helping founders create companies that can grow, compete globally and deliver long-term impact.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Curtin Accelerate is part of Curtin University\u2019s broader commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and strengthening WA\u2019s innovation ecosystem.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Curtin program sees next generation of Aussie startups Accelerate ahead","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"curtin-program-sees-next-generation-of-aussie-startups-accelerate-ahead","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-04-30 09:51:28","post_modified_gmt":"2026-04-30 01:51:28","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=media-release&#038;p=31082","menu_order":0,"post_type":"media-release","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":31080,"post_author":"4307","post_date":"2026-04-30 09:47:22","post_date_gmt":"2026-04-30 01:47:22","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>A leading American forensic chemist will collaborate with Curtin University researchers to develop low-cost, rapid detection tools for dangerous and illicit substances, using naturally occurring plant pigments.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Provost Associate Professor of Chemistry at American University Dr <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Raychelle_Burks\">Raychelle Burks<\/a>, will spend time at Curtin in 2026\u201327 as a Fulbright US Scholar, following an award from the US Department of State and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.state.gov\/fulbright-foreign-scholarship-board\">Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said she was delighted to welcome Dr Burks to Curtin.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cDr Burks is internationally recognised for her work in forensic and analytical chemistry, and we are proud to host her as part of this important global exchange,\u201d Professor Hayne said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThis collaboration reflects Curtin\u2019s commitment to impactful, internationally connected research that addresses real-world challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Working with <a href=\"https:\/\/staffportal.curtin.edu.au\/staff\/profile\/view\/simon-lewis-39065270\/\">Professor Simon Lewis<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/staffportal.curtin.edu.au\/staff\/profile\/view\/georgina-sauzier-27b987ec\/\">Dr Georgina Sauzier<\/a> from the Forensic and Analytical Chemistry Research Group within Curtin\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/about\/learning-teaching\/science-engineering\/school-of-molecular-life-sciences\/\">School of Molecular and Life Sciences<\/a>, Dr Burks will investigate how anthocyanins, which are natural pigments found in plants, can act as colour-based sensors to detect substances of international concern.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The research aims to deliver faster, more accessible screening methods for substances such as illicit drugs, explosives and chemical warfare agents used in a wide range of environments.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Dr Burks said the project was driven by a shared commitment to \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.1080\/00450618.2024.2324722\">frugal forensics<\/a>\u201d and developing reliable, high-quality forensic tools that remain effective even in resource-limited settings.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cAnthocyanins are globally abundant and highly responsive compounds, making them promising candidates for simple, low-cost chemical detection,\u201d Dr Burks said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m excited to collaborate with Curtin researchers to explore how these natural materials can be harnessed to improve safety and detection capabilities worldwide, particularly in regions where access to advanced forensic technologies is limited.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Professor Lewis said the collaboration would strengthen Curtin\u2019s growing expertise in innovative and accessible forensic science.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThis partnership brings together complementary strengths to tackle complex detection challenges in a practical and scalable way,\u201d Professor Lewis said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s an exciting opportunity to advance new approaches that could make forensic science more equitable and widely available.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fulbright award recipients, chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential, play a pivotal role in fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Fulbright scholar taps plant-based science for next-generation forensic tools","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"fulbright-scholar-taps-plant-based-science-for-next-generation-forensic-tools","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-04-30 11:50:58","post_modified_gmt":"2026-04-30 03:50:58","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=media-release&#038;p=31080","menu_order":0,"post_type":"media-release","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":31012,"post_author":"4493","post_date":"2026-04-22 12:42:39","post_date_gmt":"2026-04-22 04:42:39","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Curtin University has appointed global tech industry leader Carl Solder as Adjunct Professor in a move designed to fast-track innovation and develop the next generation of tech talent.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Mr Solder - the Chief Technology Officer of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cisco.com\/\">Cisco<\/a> Australia and New Zealand - brings a wealth of global expertise to Curtin following a 40-year career in Australia, New Zealand, the Asia-Pacific region, and the United States, including 19 years in Silicon Valley.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While employed in the US, Mr Solder worked within Cisco\u2019s core engineering teams, playing a pivotal role in the development of groundbreaking enterprise, data centre and cloud networking products.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>His work has been instrumental in shaping the digital infrastructure for many of the world\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/section\/fortune-500\/\">Fortune 500<\/a> companies, placing him at the forefront of the world\u2019s technology sector.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>At Curtin, Mr Solder will mentor students, deliver specialised seminars and provide students with unique insights into the practical application of networking technologies and the strategic leadership required to succeed in the global tech industry.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Mr Solder said becoming an Adjunct Professor was not only a \u201cprofound honour\u201d but also a \u201cfull-circle moment\u201d, after completing his undergraduate degree at Curtin in 1984.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cIt is an incredibly rewarding thought to be able to give back to the institution that provided the foundation for my career,\u201d Mr Solder said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI look forward to engaging with the next generation of technologists, sharing the lessons learned from the heart of Silicon Valley, and helping students navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of global technology.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Mr Solder was appointed via the <a href=\"https:\/\/datascience.curtin.edu.au\/\">Curtin Institute for Data Science<\/a> to work with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.icentralau.com.au\/perth\/\">Innovation Central Perth<\/a> - an industry and research collaboration centre founded by Curtin and Cisco.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Curtin Institute for Data Science Executive Director <a href=\"https:\/\/staffportal.curtin.edu.au\/staff\/profile\/view\/melanie-johnston-hollitt-3e907fc9\/\">Professor Melanie Johnston-Hollitt<\/a> welcomed Mr Solder\u2019s appointment, adding it underscored Curtin and Cisco\u2019s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and developing the next generation of tech leaders.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"We are thrilled to welcome Carl back to the Curtin community,\" Professor Johnston-Hollitt said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"His career is a testament to the impact our graduates can have on the global stage. Having someone of Carl\u2019s calibre share his real-world experience and technical expertise will be an invaluable asset to our students as they prepare for their own careers in the technology sector.\"<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Curtin Computer Systems and Networking student Christian Badenhorst first met Mr Solder through an internship at ICP. He said the appointment would provide him with excellent real-life insight into the networking world he planned to go into once his studies were completed.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cCarl is a very down-to-earth guy and easy to converse with, and along with his vast knowledge in his area of work, will make him an amazing professor,\u201d Mr Badenhorst said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Curtin appoints Cisco leader to foster future tech talent","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"curtin-appoints-cisco-leader-to-foster-future-tech-talent","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-04-22 13:05:22","post_modified_gmt":"2026-04-22 05:05:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=media-release&#038;p=31012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"media-release","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},"events":{"heading":"Curtin Events","content":"<p>Find out what\u2019s on at Curtin. 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