UniSA partners in two major Cooperative Research Centres worth $500M to advance Australia’s manufacturing capabilities in 3D printing and regenerative therapies.
The University of South Australia has secured major partnerships in two Cooperative Research Centres worth over $500 million to boost Australia’s manufacturing capabilities.
UniSA’s Future Industries Institute will contribute to both the Additive Manufacturing CRC and the Solutions for Manufacturing Advanced Regenerative Therapies CRC, supporting national innovation priorities.
The Additive Manufacturing CRC, receiving $57.5 million in federal funding and $213 million from partners, brings together 73 industry partners, 14 research organizations and five government departments. FII Industry Professor Colin Hall will serve as a key researcher.
“Once limited to plastic prototype parts, 3D printing today includes metal, ceramic and composite materials that are on the cusp of full-scale adoption across Australia’s manufacturing sector,” Professor Hall said.
The AMCRC aims to optimize processes, develop new materials, and upskill workers over the next seven years. UniSA Business Associate Professor Shruti Sardeshmukh will lead the Sustainable Manufacturing research theme.
“By embedding environmental, social and governance principles, 3D printing can fuel innovation, drive business transformation and propel Australian businesses towards a more resilient future,” Associate Professor Sardeshmukh said.
UniSA researchers will also focus on Surface Technologies and Post-Processing, strengthening collaborations with industry partners including SMR Automotive, Starke-AMG, EntX, and Laserbond.
In the biotechnology sector, FII Professor Allison Cowin will contribute to the $238 million SMART CRC, which is backed by $65 million in government funding and $173 million from partners.
“The SMART CRC will accelerate the Australian regenerative therapy industry,” Professor Cowin said. “It will catalyse, drive and co-ordinate a national effort, guiding industry growth in the cell and gene therapy sectors.”
It is anticipated that the SMART CRC will deliver 1,500 high value jobs and $4.5 billion of business in the next 10 years through the development of advanced therapies to restore normal function of cells, tissues and organs.
UniSA Deputy Vice Chancellor: Professor Peter Murphy(Research and Enterprise), added that the collaborations were particularly significant given the 2026 merger between UniSA and the University of Adelaide.
“This is a fantastic outcome for the Australian manufacturing sector and will lead to exciting times ahead, not only for our researchers but for the nation as a whole,” Professor Murphy said.
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The Federal Government also announced a third initiative, the Care Economy CRC, focused on advancing the care sector through customized technologies and new care models.
