Deakin University’s Recycling and Renewable Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) is Australia’s largest recycling and clean energy advanced manufacturing ecosystem, backed by $380 million in funding.
REACH is spearheading Australia’s transition to a circular economy, focusing on innovation in energy storage, hydrogen, carbon fibre and recycling technologies.
‘By combining the brightest minds from industry and world-class researchers we have the power to push the limits of technology innovation and put Australia at the forefront globally of the transition from a throughput economy to a circular economy,’ said Amy Hunter, Deakin Executive Director REACH.
Empowering clean energy innovation
REACH fosters clean energy innovation by partnering with industry leaders to scale up projects in energy storage, hydrogen and recycling technologies.
Thanks to significant funding, including a $50 million grant from the Australian Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program, REACH is driving advancements in sustainable manufacturing supply chains and pioneering technological innovations aligned with a circular economy.
'We're looking for partners who have compelling ideas for novel solutions, who want to pilot new technologies or processes, or who want to scale-up and commercialise projects to capture new markets,' Hunter said.
A multi-billion-dollar bioeconomy
The initiative is set to drive significant innovation and job creation in Geelong, Western Victoria and beyond. This research-industry partnership is projected to generate over $1.4 billion in revenue and create 2,500 jobs in the next decade.
A partnership for global innovation
One of REACH’s standout success stories is its partnership with Xefco, a sustainability-driven start-up revolutionising the textile industry.
Founded six years ago and co-located at Deakin’s Geelong Future Economy Precinct, Xefco is breaking new ground with its Ausora technology – a water-free dyeing and finishing solution that significantly reduces energy use, chemical consumption, and costs compared to conventional processes.
Tom Hussey, co-founder and CEO of Xefco, highlights the crucial role of the REACH program in supporting deep-tech businesses like theirs.
‘The Trailblazer program and REACH gives much needed support to young deep-tech businesses such as Xefco through the "valley of death" that is substantially overlooked by other government programs,’ said Hussey.
‘This support is helping us and others to bridge the gap from early-stage research to successful commercialisation of our technology.’
In 2024, Xefco raised $10.5 million in capital to accelerate research and commercial growth. Its innovation is already being adopted by major global brands like Zara and The North Face, setting a new standard for sustainable textile manufacturing.
Shaping tomorrow's sustainable industries
Nearly two years into its trailblazing journey, Deakin continues to welcome new partners to collaborate on research-led innovation projects with its world-class researchers. REACH is more than just an innovation hub – it’s a force for change, driving the next generation of sustainable technologies.
Visit reach.deakin.edu.au for more information or to become a REACH Trailblazer partner.
This article was published by Deakin University. Read the original article here.