Australian innovation is thriving, and the journey from bright idea to real-world impact is more exciting than ever. The Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) is proud to help researchers and entrepreneurs turn prototypes into products, offering the tools, expertise and connections they need to succeed.
To help these promising projects take the next step, targeted funding and support can make all the difference.
Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Innovate grants back university–industry teams working to commercialise research. Funding supports prototype development, pilot testing and scaling activities that help researchers prove their innovations work in the real world and are ready for investment, adoption and market impact.
Several ANFF-supported clients have recently received AEA Innovate grants, propelling their progress toward commercial success. Their stories illustrate the diversity and impact of Australian innovation:
Solar Energy for Space: Led by Anita Ho-Baillie, University of Sydney researchers are developing space-grade perovskite solar cells with high power-to-weight ratios and space radiation resistance. Significant progress has already been made, with the successful integration of solar cells onto satellites launched into space in 2024.
Contact: Anita Ho-Baillie (anita.ho-baillie@sydney.edu.au)
Quantum Sensors for Australia’s Future: Partnering with QuantX Labs, University of Adelaide’s Andre Luiten is advancing Australia’s quantum sensor technology. The aim is to make sensors smaller, more affordable and more robust, ensuring they are ready for manufacturing in Australia and deployment in critical sectors such as defence, resources and navigation.
Visit the QuantX website to learn more.
Sun-powered Green Hydrogen: Sparc Hydrogen is developing a solar hydrogen reactor, producing green hydrogen using only sunlight, water and a photocatalyst. Photocatalytic water splitting does not require electricity or produce carbon emissions. Its SPARC-H2 AEA award will accelerate the development of this breakthrough technology as an alternative to producing green hydrogen via electrolysis.
Visit the Sparc Hydrogen website to learn more.
NanoMslide: Next-Gen Diagnostics NanoMslide transforms standard microscope slides into advanced biosensors using a multilayered, nanostructured coating. Developed at La Trobe University and commercialised by AlleSense, this cancer diagnostic tool produces high-contrast, label-free images of biological samples, enabling instant visualisation of abnormal or diseased cells.
Visit the Allesense website to learn more.
AI Scanner for Premium Aussie Meat: The University of Adelaide’s Robert McLaughlin, working with spin-out Miniprobes, is developing a device using optical fibre, near-infrared imaging and AI to assess meat quality during production – enhancing the global competitiveness and premium value of Australian sheep and beef products.
Visit the Miniprobes website to learn more.
Quantum Amplifier Breakthrough: The University of Sydney, in partnership with Emergence Quantum, is pioneering advanced quantum amplifiers that detect and boost weak quantum signals. Led by Cassandra Chua, the project advances research, builds workforce capacity and strengthens Australia’s quantum supply chain.
Contact: Cassandra Chua (cassandra.chua@sydney.edu.au)
Australia’s healthy innovation ecosystem is thanks to the achievements of researchers and industry partners like those featured here. With support from National Research Infrastructure provided by ANFF and programs like AEA Innovate, Australian discoveries are increasingly making their mark on the world stage.
This article is republished with adaptation from the 2025 ANFF Casebook.
Posted 24 November 2025