Sparc Technologies and its partner Flinders University have been awarded funding under Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite grant program. They will receive a grant of AU$353,098 (around US$220,800).
The 12-month project aims to accelerate development and validation of a graphene-enhanced material that can be utilized in aquaculture nets to mitigate biofouling and increase net strength and durability. This technology has the potential to result in a significant reduction in fish farm operational costs, environmental impact, biosecurity and fish health risks.
During the project, Sparc and Flinders University aim to achieve a prototype demonstration in real world conditions, proving the graphene-enhanced material's effectiveness in reducing biofouling, increasing net durability and extending the operational lifespan of aquaculture infrastructure. Sparc has engaged an Australian aquaculture company to support the project through providing a test site for prototyping along with access to information and advice to ensure industry applicability.
Sparc Managing Director, Mr. Nick O’Loughlin, commented: “We are delighted to receive grant funding from the Federal Government’s highly competitive AEA program to accelerate development of graphene-enhanced net materials for the aquaculture industry. This project utilises Sparc’s deep expertise working with graphene-enhanced polymer materials for the coatings industry and builds on Sparc’s track record of working with Australian universities to develop and commercialise novel technologies.”
Flinders University Lead Entrepreneur, Professor Mats Andersson, commented: “I am very pleased to see this project fully funded by the AEA program. This project builds on ongoing work between Sparc and Flinders University which demonstrates substantial reductions in marine biofouling and has high potential to offer the aquaculture industry a solution which reduces costs and environmental impact and improves fish health.”
The funded project builds on technology principles developed by Sparc and Flinders University for mitigating biofouling in the marine industry within the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation. The grant funding will enable acceleration of research and development to progress from technology readiness level (TRL)-3 (experimental proof of concept, initial testing) to TRL-5 (prototype demonstrated in operational environment), paving the way for piloting and full commercial deployment. New intellectual property developed during the project is to be jointly owned by Sparc and Flinders University.
