Sparc Technologies and Flinders University have secured funding under Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite grant program to advance the development of graphene-enhanced aquaculture netting.
The 12-month project aims to validate the technology in real-world conditions, addressing biofouling issues while improving net strength and durability, the company said in an ASX announcement.
The initiative seeks to mitigate the challenges posed by biofouling, which can drive up operational costs, impact fish health, and pose biosecurity risks in aquaculture.
Sparc said the grant will facilitate research that could lead to a reduction in environmental impact and improved efficiency in fish farming operations.
As part of the project, Sparc Technologies has partnered with an Australian aquaculture company to provide a test site for prototyping and to ensure the industry’s needs are met.
“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,” said Sparc Managing Director Nick O’Loughlin.
“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.”
The research is based on existing work carried out by Sparc Technologies and Flinders University under the ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation.
The funding will help advance the technology from early-stage testing to prototype demonstration in an operational environment.
According to Sparc, the ultimate goal is to progress towards piloting and full-scale commercial deployment. Any new intellectual property developed in the process will be jointly owned by Sparc Technologies and Flinders University.
Flinders University Lead Entrepreneur Professor Mats Andersson highlighted the project’s potential to bring tangible benefits to the aquaculture industry.
“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 that reduces costs and environmental impact while improving fish health.”
