Four innovative industry partnership projects have received over $10.6 million in funding in the latest round of the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) grants,  supporting partnerships that bring together science, research, and business, to improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries.

The four projects explore:

• the advancement of the next generation of dental AI technologies to help prevent oral disease
• the development of a scalable green plasma-based perchlorate manufacturing process
• combining Australian biotech expertise and robotic engineering to develop a multipurpose platform to improve medical and veterinary healthcare
• the development of the next generation of low-cost WiFi networks for underground critical mineral operations.

“We're proud to be a partner in these innovative research projects, which demonstrate our commitment to research for good, delivering positive outcomes for industry, communities, and the world,” said Professor Julie Cairney, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

Perio-Detect: AI-powered support tool for periodontal screening

University of Sydney lead: Professor Axel Spahr

Partners: Eyes of AI Pty Ltd, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and 3Shape Australia Pty Ltd

CRC-P grant: $2.2 million

The project aims to develop the world's first AI-driven periodontal screening tool for enhanced early and accurate detection of periodontal disease.

Perio-Detect will transform traditional periodontal examination by providing a non-invasive, contactless assessment within seconds, replacing the current time-consuming method involving painful manual probing.

The tool will automate critical diagnostic tasks by integrating patient data, 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and intraoral 3D scans. The project will validate diagnostic accuracy, secure regulatory approvals and integrate AI into clinical practices.

Developing a scalable green plasma-based perchlorate manufacturing process

University of Sydney lead: Professor PJ Cullen

Partners: DefendTex Research Labs Pty Ltd and Defence Science and Technology Group 

CRC-P grant: $2,796,600

Ammonium perchlorate is a crystalline solid that acts as a powerful oxidiser and serves as a key component in solid rocket propellant. It is used in aerospace and defence applications as well as mining and battery manufacturing.

The concept of producing perchlorates using a plasma-based process is highly innovative and is a technological step change. Plasma synthesis of perchlorates is an alternative to traditional electro-chemical methods, with benefits in increased purity, output and energy efficiency.

This project aims to develop a cost effective, modular system that is scalable and will produce perchlorates using environment-friendly, waste-free production technology. This will provide the feedstock required to manufacture ammonium perchlorate for DefendTex’s solid rocket motors.

Automated One Health diagnostic solutions: Advancing Australian biotech

University of Sydney lead: Dr Kate Worthing

Partners: Abraham Scientific Pty Ltd, Tecan Australia Pty Ltd, Murdoch University, Statens Serum Institute and University of South Australia.

CRC-P grant: $2,796,000

Combining Australian biotech expertise and robotic engineering, this project aims to develop a unique multipurpose platform to improve medical and veterinary healthcare.

The new multifunctional platform will enhance accuracy and reduce costs by streamlining workflows and eliminating error-prone manual tasks. It will enable delivery of a wide range of routine and specialist medical tests at an affordable price.

Next generation WiFi networks for decarbonised critical minerals operations

University of Sydney lead: Professor Yonghui Li

Partners: Roobuck Pty Ltd, Tarago Operations Pty Ltd and Vertex Minerals Limited

CRC-P grant: $2,650,000

This project is focused on the next generation of low-cost WiFi networks for underground critical mineral operations, enabling effective, safe and decarbonised extraction of minerals.

The project will foster the development of a University-METS-mining collaboration pipeline, enhancing workforce capability and supporting future innovation. It will establish Australia as a leader in next-generation wireless communications for mining applications.