Learn about our impact
Over seven years, the cutting-edge research conducted at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science has resulted in huge commercial, societal and knowledge impact.
Exciton’s spin-out companies
Radetec Diagnostics (2018)
Mission: Revolutionising STI diagnostics
Founders: Dr. John Li & Dr Fabio Lisi
Status: Generating revenue
Funding: >$1M from VC & Angel
Exciton’s spin-out companies
Green Shield Solutions (2023)
Mission: Become a leader in the next generation of coating technologies, providing cutting edge solutions to enhance the safety of both human and physical assets
Founder: Dr. Kalim Kashif
Status: Pre-revenue
Funding: Used $75k Exciton funding to raise $1.2M in Defence and AEA funding
Bringing researchers together
12th Asian Photochemistry Conference
In 2023, the Centre proudly hosted 12th Asian Photochemistry Conference—first time it’s been held in Australia. The conference provided excellent networking opportunities through workshops, poster sessions, and a formal dinner, fostering collaboration among leading experts photochemistry.
Fostering innovation
Better Futures Innovation challenge
On March 19-20, 2024, Exciton Science led the inaugural Better Futures Innovation Challenge, where the brightest research minds from across five Centres of Excellence came together with industry and innovation professionals for a unique deep-tech hackathon.
Our aims? Break down the silos between academia and industry, build a pipeline of commercially valuable research, and train the next generation of Australian innovators.
After two days of intensive sessions and countless post-it notes three teams were accelerated with financial backing and mentorship to validate and prototype their ideas.
Engaging with the public with cutting-edge science
Solar Cell Challenge
The Solar Cell Challenge, our major outreach program for school students, engaged hundreds of students in Years 7 – 10 across Australia. The program saw students between Years 7 – 10 use the materials and instructions we provided to create a dye-sensitised solar cell—a simple device that turns light into energy. Schools were offered an introductory session from our researchers, who spoke in-class about the experiment at hand, the science behind solar power and what they investigate at the Centre.
Introducing designers to next generation solar
Light Ideas Design Challenge
The Light Ideas Design Challenge invited design and architecture students to reimagine the world through the integration of cutting-edge solar technologies. In its first year, the challenge focused on luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs), inspiring concepts like self-powered roadside lighting and illuminated community spaces. The following year shifted the spotlight to printable, flexible solar panels, encouraging designs that explored the adaptability and potential of lightweight, customizable solar solutions. Judged by a panel of senior designers and scientists, the challenge showcased how these emerging technologies could become integral to sustainable urban and product design while preparing the next generation of designers to tackle future energy needs.
Turning research into video game fun
It’s on like Exciton!
Students and adults alike found themselves hooked on a series of renewable energy-themed video games commissioned by the Centre for National Science Week 2020.
Created by Australian-based developers Mighty Serious, with the support of Australian Government’s Inspiring Australia initiative, games address subjects lasers, fluorescent nanoparticles and solar cells.
You can still play It’s on like Exciton! here—what will be your high score?