2025: a hive of innovation
From seaweed buttons to bee hotels, Australian innovators are tackling some of the planet's biggest challenges. We take a look at some of the year’s highlights.
Latest
Cool roof, fresh water
The University of Sydney has developed a paint-like coating that could keep buildings cooler and produce water from the air.
Free power for Aussie homes
As the net zero political debate grabbed headlines earlier this month, Australia's federal government unveiled a plan to offer households three hours of free power.
Pocket forests sprout up nationwide
Tiny native forests based on a 1970s planting method developed by a Japanese botanist are taking root across the country.
Regions rally behind clean energy
Poll results show that backing for renewables holds strong at 62% in spite of online trolling and misinformation campaigns.
Boost for bovine burp buster
Number 8 Bio has raised funds to help take its methane-cutting capsules from the lab to the paddock.
Vehicle-to-grid trial hits home
Australian V2G rollout transforms electric cars into "batteries on wheels" powering homes and stabilising the grid.
Earthshot winners shine in Rio
Projects from Brazil to Bangladesh awarded £1 million each for pioneering solutions to restore nature, cut pollution and protect communities.
Seaweed plastic scales up
WA startup Uluu has unveiled the next step in its scale-up plans in the wake of a multimillion-dollar funding round.
Electric trucks take the long road
The path to zero-emission road freight has gained traction with a successful long-distance delivery.
Spreading the sunshine
Rooftop solar may be booming, but millions of Australians are being left in the shade. New delivery models aim to change that.
Fresh start for sushi staple
As single-use plastic bans come into force, Aussie designers unveil a compostable alternative to the mini soy-sauce fish dropper.
Business
Closing the climate skills gap
We explore solutions from a range of industries pushing to fill skill gaps across Australia’s emerging net-zero sectors.
Business
Crossroads for climate skills
Climate change is rewriting the job description for Australia's future workforce. We explore these changes and what’s standing in their way.
Pollution plumes float into view
A new visualisation tool helps urban communities identify the industrial sources of air pollution in their neighbourhood.
Planet
Nobel win for chemistry trio
A university researcher in Australia shares the chemistry Nobel Prize for pioneering new materials that could solve environmental challenges.
Agtech
SwarmBots take the field
Self-driving farm bots designed to reduce the use of fuel and chemicals have attracted $30 million in funding.
Planet
City skyscraper makes the cut
Sydney's Quay Quarter Tower has been named as one of the Earthshot Prize finalists as the world’s 'first fully upcycled skyscraper'.
Household
Seaweed buttons make waves
Alt-plastic startup Uluu has secured its first fashion customer: luxury sleepwear brand Papinelle.
Infotech
Cool change for AI factory
The developer of a next-generation AI data centre in Tasmania has raised funding as it seeks to address power and water-security concerns.
Household
Building blocks of change
Australian innovators are turning cardboard, earth and hemp into the next generation of low-carbon building materials.
Planet
Seabin turns trash into data
A new litter monitoring and removal program will study the movement of waste in waterways around Sydney airport.
Energy
Solar glass breaks ground
A leap forward in solar energy-generating windows could help buildings make more of their own energy without sacrificing style.
Household
Solar energy arrives in store
Retailers are diving in to the solar power market amid booming interest in household renewables.