Edith Cowan University (ECU) researchers have secured close to $900,000 in funding under the Australian Government’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite program to progress early-stage technologies in drone security and critical minerals processing.
Two ECU research teams were awarded competitive grants through the AEA Ignite scheme, which supports the commercialisation of university research and proof-of-concept testing in industry-relevant environments.
Associate Professor Shihao Yan (pictured) from ECU’s School of Science received $471,400 to develop a rapid drone detection and disruption system. The proposed technology is designed to identify unauthorised drones in under a second, determine their operating frequency, and apply a focused, low-power radio signal to interrupt communication between the drone and its operator without affecting nearby devices. The system is intended to be deployed as a mobile, battery-powered unit with a detection range of up to one kilometre.
In a separate project, Associate Professor Amir Razmjou and lead entrepreneur Dr Matt Myers were awarded $403,942, including a $60,000 contribution from industry partner Everest Metals, to advance a Direct Rubidium Extraction process. Based at ECU’s Mineral Recovery Research Centre, the research aims to improve extraction and purification methods for rubidium, a critical mineral used in advanced electronics and energy applications. The project seeks to raise the technology’s readiness level and support the development of an onshore supply chain.
The funding aligns with national priorities to strengthen domestic capability in security technologies and critical minerals. The AEA Ignite program is designed to help researchers translate early-stage innovations into commercially viable solutions through industry collaboration and technical validation.
For both teams, the grants are expected to accelerate development and move the technologies closer to real-world deployment.
