The Rio Tinto Emerging Innovation award goes to a winner and runner-up that are in the early stages of development or pre-revenue for new a product, technology, process or service.
The innovations must also clearly demonstrate that they offer economic, social and/or environmental benefit to Western Australia.
The winner received a prize of $60,000 and the benefits of a PhD student through the support of Biodesign Australia. The runner-up received a prize of $15,000.
Uluu
Winner
The world’s first truly compelling alternative to plastic.
Uluu has created an alternative to plastic made from farmed seaweed using a novel saltwater fermentation process. Uluu is strong, lightweight and waterproof, while being truly biodegradable and biocompatible.
Uluu’s materials replace plastic while being good for the world. They tackle plastic pollution, are climate positive and help restore the health of our oceans.
Learn more on the Uluu website.
SeaStock Pty Ltd
Runner-Up
Asparagopsis Production and Compound Extraction for Global Methane Reduction and Natural Bio extracts.
SeaStock has developed an extraction process to produce the highest concentration natural bromoform and a red pigment called R-Phycoerythrin. The dual extraction method supports SeaStock’s strategy of becoming the lowest cost producer of a form of seaweed called Asparagopsis. Research conducted by the CSIRO shows bromoform reduces livestock emissions up to 90% and improve feed efficiency by 20%. R-Phycoerythrin is a red pigment used as a natural colourant in the food, cosmetic and medicine.
Learn more on the SeaStock website.
