Australia Awards A$6.9 Million To Support Seaweed, Microalgae And Clean Manufacturing Projects
The Australian government has awarded A$6.9 million in grant funding to support five emerging projects focused on sustainable materials, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing. Delivered through the Industry Growth Program, the funding aims to help businesses commercialise innovative products, processes and services aligned with the priorities of the National Reconstruction Fund. The latest round supports developments ranging from microalgae-based fertilisers to seaweed-derived alternatives to plastic packaging and new technologies for electric vehicle components.
According to the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the grants will help companies scale technologies, complete product trials and move closer to commercial deployment. The initiative is part of a broader push to strengthen Australia’s innovation ecosystem, complementing collaborations highlighted in efforts such as Australia and India’s smart biotechnology partnerships that seek to expand research and commercialisation opportunities.
Supporting Sustainable Bio-Based Innovations
A significant share of the funding will support bio-based innovations aimed at improving agricultural productivity and reducing environmental impacts.
Bioborne will receive A$2,267,343 to scale its closed-loop microalgae production platform. The system uses artificial intelligence to optimise cultivation processes. Following successful trials, the company plans to produce a new range of bio-fertilisers designed to improve crop yields.
C Sea Solutions has been awarded A$2,107,300 to expand production of Uluu, a seaweed-based material designed as an alternative to conventional plastic packaging. The funding will help the company complete product trials, obtain certification and move towards commercialisation, with initial applications expected in sustainable cosmetics packaging.
Another project led by Seascape Restorations Australia, trading as Immersion Group, will receive A$750,000 to develop a patented photobioreactor system for cultivating a native seaweed species that can reduce methane emissions. The initiative includes plans to file two additional patents while demonstrating the feasibility of a modular cultivation system.
Advancing Clean Manufacturing And Sustainable Inputs
The funding round also supports manufacturing technologies and alternative ingredients aimed at reducing environmental impact across industries.
Aston Dynamics will receive A$1,500,000 to finalise prototypes of its hydraulic jet technology for electric trailer braking systems. The project will help scale manufacturing capacity and accelerate the company’s entry into international markets.
Meanwhile, Levur has secured A$250,000 to continue developing its precision fermentation process. The technology aims to produce sustainable palm oil derivatives that could be used in cosmetics, nutraceuticals and food products. Such work aligns with wider regional efforts to expand biotechnology innovation, including programmes that support biotechnology leadership and research collaboration.
Industry Growth Program Support For Emerging Businesses
The Industry Growth Program provides tailored advisory services to start-ups and small and medium enterprises working to commercialise new technologies. In addition to guidance, eligible businesses can apply for matched grant funding to accelerate development and market entry.
By supporting early-stage commercialisation across sectors such as biotechnology, sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing, the program seeks to strengthen Australia’s industrial capabilities while helping innovative firms transition from research and prototypes to real-world applications.
