Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer

Resources, Technology & Critical Minerals

Our Focus

Transforming the way industry, universities and researchers work together

The Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer exists to build Australia’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and drive commercialisation outcomes for the resources and critical minerals sector. We support innovative start ups and business growth across Australian SMEs in this sector, enabling businesses to thrive.

UNIVERSITY TRANSFORMATION

Changing the way commercialisation and industry-led research is embedded, facilitated and rewarded in universities

TECHNOLOGY READINESS

Reducing risks associated with new technologies, building pathways for SMEs and industry to invest and implement new ways of working

COMMERCIALISATION

Leading commercial innovation by translating research outcomes into new products, services and industry processes through the Curtin Venture Studio.

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DeepStart

DeepStart is Curtin University’s flagship deep tech accelerator, designed to support research teams and startups to commercialise breakthrough technologies and become industry-connected and investment ready. Participants gain access to funding, national and global networks, and expert mentorship to accelerate their path to impact.

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Get Involved

Establishing lasting change

By collaborating with researchers, we drive projects forward and enable research outcomes and innovations to thrive in the critical minerals sector

Establishing lasting change

Our Partners

Building relationships, developing projects and advancing technology readiness

Partnering with industry to de-risk new technology and create opportunities for the resources sector.

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Our Program

Creating the next generation of industry-engaged innovators

The Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer is proud to be part of the Australian Government’s Department of Education Trailblazer Universities Program.

The program is designed to build new research capabilities and drive commercialisation in the resources and critical minerals industries across Australia. Curtin University is partnering with The University of Queensland and James Cook University to encourage the translation and commercialisation of university research, strengthening capability with cutting-edge solutions. We’re solving real-world problems by connecting industry to students and academia.

Join us to create future change today.

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News and Events

Explore the latest news and events from our Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer

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National Industry PhD Program

The National Industry PhD Program brings universities and businesses together to co-design and deliver cutting-edge, industry-focused research. By embedding PhD candidates across both environments, the program enables deep collaboration on real-world challenges, translating advanced research into practical outcomes while building long-term innovation capability across sectors. About the Program The National Industry PhD Program is an […]

Eight Innovators Showcase Clean Energy Solutions at NETA 2025 Demo Night

The National Energy Transition Accelerator (NETA) 2025 program wrapped yesterday with a demo night that celebrated and showcased the eight deep-tech protoventures that took part. Invited guests from 47 organisations gathered at Curtin 137 St Georges Terrace, representing partners from industry, venture capital funds and academia, to hear how the NETA 2025 cohort are advancing innovations across the […]

Banksia Minerals Processing Celebrates Breakthrough Industry Wins

Banksia Minerals Processing is celebrating a major achievement after winning the Smarter Copper Processing Solutions prize at the Copper to the World (CTTW) 2025 Conference. The Trailblazer-supported venture commercialises breakthrough technology from Associate Professor James Vaughan and his team at the University of Queensland Hydrometallurgy Research Group that enables sustainable extraction of copper from low-grade […]