SMaRT Trailblazer

UNSW recycling and clean energy initiative secures Trailblazer funding.

A combined SMaRT Centre-led recycling and UNSW/University of Newcastle-led clean energy initiative has been awarded $50m under the Australian Trailblazer Universities Program.

Headed by UNSW in partnership with the University of Newcastle, the new $277m Australian Trailblazer Recycling and Clean Energy (ATRaCE) initiative will lead research commercialisation initiatives that will help Australia and the world transition to sustainable recycling and clean energy solutions and systems.

Federal Government funding of $50m has been matched by $50m cash and $47m in-kind from UNSW and the University of Newcastle for the recycling and clean energy initiative. Over 20 industry partners have expressed support for the initiative and have committed more than $130m in cash and in-kind contributions.

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs, said that UNSW was proud and honoured to be leading Australia’s efforts in research commercialisation to support the nation’s manufacturing priorities.

“We are delighted to be able to work with the University of Newcastle and our innovative industry partners on transformative research projects that deliver real world outcomes. The Trailblazer program will undoubtedly strengthen university-industry collaboration to support the start-up and growth of Australian businesses. The Recycling and Clean Energy Trailblazer will create a step change in Australian environmental sustainability transition.

“UNSW has a proud track record of commercialising research such as solar panels, energy storage, Green Steel and various

MICROfactorie technologies led by 2022 NSW Australian of the Year, ARC Laureate Professor, Veena Sahajwalla. We look forward to working with our partners on the Trailblazer program to deliver further change in the recycling and clean energy innovation landscape.”

The UNSW – UoN partnership is the third Trailblazer to receive funding through the Trailblazer program which is designed to focus Australia’s considerable research power on Australia’s National Manufacturing Priorities.

“This partnership between University of Newcastle and UNSW will combine the strengths of our two universities to give us the power to accelerate Australia’s clean energy and recycling industries and bring more, greener technologies to Australians,” said University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO. “This program will transform the way technology readiness, commercialisation and industry-led research are prioritised, taught and rewarded in our universities with targeted opportunities for university staff and students to succeed.”

Professor Nicholas Fisk, UNSW Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Enterprise said the Australian Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy is targeting the commercialisation of at least 63 new products which will contribute to the achievement of net zero emissions by 2050, delivering critical new skills for a high value manufacturing workforce, and enabling cultural change and workplace reform in our universities. smart.unsw.edu.au