A semi-vapor electrolyser system that can produce cost-effective green hydrogen; a catalytic graphitisation technology that can produce synthetic graphite; and a mining wastewater treatment using hydrogel beads encapsulating microorganisms that remove pollutants were just some of the exciting deep tech solutions on display last night at the inaugural National Energy Transition Accelerator Demo Night held at Curtin University.
Supported by Program Partner Woodside Energy, with Matthew Macfarlane as lead facilitator, the eight-week program was designed to launch early-stage Australian startups and founders with high-growth potential who are developing solutions to support the resources technology and critical minerals sectors in the global energy transition.
Over the course of the program, academics and founders from Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria gained access to energy sector leaders, introductions to potential customers, and the commercial knowledge to not only validate their innovations technically but also commercially.
The evening was a fantastic opportunity to introduce these exciting teams to major industry players including Woodside Energy, South32, Rio Tinto and Mitsubishi Corporation to demonstrate the potential value the teams can provide to them in their decarbonisation efforts.
The teams who presented last night included:
Biobead
Based out of The University of Queensland, this team are developing a new way to treat mining wastewater using hydrogel beads encapsulating microorganisms that remove pollutants.
Team lead: Rachel Huang, The University of Queensland
Carbophite
Based out of the University of Melbourne, this team are developing a method of carbon-coating anode materials to extend the life of lithium batteries and supercapacitors.
Team lead: Mehrdad Parsa, University of Melbourne
Decarbonators
This team have developed a process to convert greenhouse gases into valuable transportation fuels whilst also reducing process footprint and the energy consumption needed for their generation.
Team lead: Laure Braconnier, Curtin University
Dryad Enterprises
The team at Dryad have developed a fully automated system that produces the perfect growth environment for microbes to convert CO2 into biofuels.
Team lead: Grant Major
Electro Base
Electro Base are designing and building the next generation of energy storage and management solutions for remote businesses.
Team lead: Sylvia Tokic
Hydrobe
Harnessing the natural capabilities of microalgae for cleaner energy production, Hydrobe® utilises a biologically driven process that captures more carbon dioxide than it emits.
Team: Nadia Leinecker, Biao Sun, Curtin University
Nepternal Hydrogen
One of the four protoventures being supported by the Curtin Venture Studio, the team at Nepternal have developed a high-efficiency hydrogen production electrolyzer using unpurified water sources.
Team lead: Jiayi Tang, Curtin University
RapidGraphite
Also supported by the Curtin Venture Studio, this team have developed a catalytic graphitisation technology to produce synthetic graphite essential for lithium battery production.
Team lead: Jason Fogg, Curtin University
Watts & Fisher
This team based in Perth have developed a process that uses a recyclable liquid to break down ores 20 times faster than the conventional method, reducing costs and chemical waste significantly.
Team lead: Harry Watts
Thank you to all our guests who joined us last night. We look forward to updating you on our teams’ progress as we support them on the next phase of their entrepreneurial journeys.
