The Curtinnovation Awards celebrate bold thinkers at Curtin University who are creating real-world impact. Whether you’re a researcher, student, or entrepreneur, if you’ve developed an idea that could shape industries, improve lives, or solve critical challenges, we want to hear from you.
All ideas are welcome. Previous winners of the Curtinnovation Awards include an electrolyser process to produce green hydrogen from untreated water; an AI chatbot that prompts users to better manage their life and emotions; and a device that saves children with chronic ear infections from surgery.
Why apply?
- Funding to fuel your idea – win up to $15,000 cash
- Industry recognition – showcase your work to leaders in business, government, and research
- Pathway to commercialisation – support from Curtin’s expert team to take your innovation to market
- Exclusive networking opportunities – connect with key industry figures at our annual awards luncheon
Applications are now open until Friday 4 April 2025. For more information on how to apply, read below or click the button to start your application today!
Award Categories and Prizes
The highest value prize is the Griffith Hack Overall Award valued at $15,000 cash.
All other categories offers a cash prize valued from $5,000.
Applicants will also be considered for a Curtin Ignition scholarship valued at $3,850 + GST. For more information about this, read the FAQs below.
Get In Touch
Got questions about your application?
Reach out to a member of our friendly Commercialisation team who are available to answer any general questions about the application process.
Key Dates
Monday 17 February 2025 – Applications Open
Friday 4 April 2025 – Applications Close
Monday 28 April 2025 – Shortlist Pitching
Wednesday 21 May 2025 – Finalists Announced
August 2025 – Award Recipients Announced
Frequently Asked Questions
2024 Curtinnovation Awards Recipients
Last year’s 2024 Curtinnovation Award recipients represented a diverse range of industries and sectors and scale of business development. From a spacecraft thruster the size of a AA battery, to a VR experience educating children on Indigenous culture, the cohort demonstrated Curtin’s strengths in developing exciting innovations from study, work or research at the institution.
Congratulations also go to this year’s finalists:
- RETdrop: Eye drops delivering gene therapy to restore vision in children with Usher syndrome;
- ImageHeal: An imaging technique improving patient recovery from radiotherapy by predicting healing trajectories;
- AnalyZr: A tool to reduce mineral exploration risk and audit resource origins using statistics and artificial intelligence;
- Procuracon: A two-sided marketplace connecting property owners with trusted construction experts;
- An AI-enhanced stethoscope designed to improve early detection of heart valve disease;
- Healthy Connections: a mobile medical kit providing preventative health screenings in Pilbara communities;
- Shell-to-Sheet: A new sustainable type of food packaging for manufacturers incorporating waste from abalone processing;
- Children’s Technology Cove: An interactive experience to help parents and educators safely build children’s digital literacy and skills;
Watch the Curtinnovation Awards Videos
Thanks to our Event Sponsors
