Professor Paulo de Souza, Hon Stephen Dawson, Professor Alexander Michaelis, Professor Clare Pollock.
In a major milestone for innovation in Western Australia, Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Fraunhofer IKTS have officially opened a state-of-the-art joint research and innovation laboratory.
The Ideas to Industry Lab will advance sustainable ceramic technologies for industrial water treatment, alongside pioneering work in non-destructive testing and high-temperature electrolysis, creating new opportunities for students, strengthening industry capability and delivering practical solutions for businesses across the state.
The strategic partnership prioritises key technologies for the future, and will drive improvements of local capabilities, including locating Fraunhofer research infrastructure at ECU.
The strategic partnership prioritises key technologies.
In Western Australia, where many industrial facilities operate in extreme climates and remote locations, advanced ceramic materials offer a powerful performance edge. Engineered for durability and reliability, they improve process stability, reduce maintenance demands and extend the lifespan of critical assets.
The result is greater operational efficiency, enhanced competitiveness and meaningful progress towards more sustainable practices across the state's energy and resources sectors.
"The joint lab aims to bridge the gap between research and industry, fostering technological progress and innovation, and enhancing competitiveness. This collaboration shows what's possible when expertise, infrastructure and ideas are shared across borders," ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Paulo de Souza said.
"By opening up access to laboratories, testing facilities and intellectual property, we are not only accelerating joint research and PhD training, but we are also investing in the next generation of engineers, researchers and technical specialists."
Importantly, the collaboration also demonstrates how globally connected partnerships can strengthen sovereign capability while building the environmental resilience our future depends on.
The Fraunhofer equipment will be available to industry and research partners
The Ideas to Industry Lab is located within ECU Joondalup's School of Engineering and will be sustained over the next five years. Through collaborative projects, the Fraunhofer equipment will be available to industry and research partners, thereby increasing leading edge research infrastructure in Western Australia in the short-, medium- and long-term.
"Advanced ceramics play a key role in energy transition and sustainable industrial development. Thanks to their unique properties, such as exceptional heat resistance, corrosion stability and durability, they enable efficient, safe and economically superior processes in future markets," Fraunhofer IKTS Institute Director, Professor Alexander Michaelis said. "Our 'From Ideas to Industry Lab' will strengthen industry in Western Australia and deliver technological innovations for the green energy transition."
The Ideas to Industry Lab will deliver on the Western Australian State Government's Research and Capability Priorities, including clean energy and decarbonisation, environment and sustainability, mineral supply and value-adding, and critical and emerging technology.
"By supporting initiatives like the Ideas to Industry Lab, we are shaping a sustainable, competitive future for our state and demonstrating that WA is the place where ideas become impactful solutions," Western Australian Minister for Science and Innovation Stephen Dawson said.
"Backed by the Cook Government's commitment to the Research and Capability Priorities, including clean energy, decarbonisation, and critical emerging technologies, we want to be a leader in this sector."
"Our policies promote an environment where industry and research can grow, ensuring WA remains the preferred destination for forward-thinking businesses and world-class talent."
