Curtin Malaysia innovation wins top global award for AI-powered microalgae harvesting

Miri, Sarawak – 10 September 2026 – An innovative microalgae harvesting technology developed by researchers at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has won international recognition after receiving the Curtin Global Award at the Global Curtinnovation Awards 2026 in Perth.

The award-winning Ai-MASS (AI-powered Microalgae Automated Separation System) addresses a longstanding challenge in large-scale microalgae production by combining bio-based separation technologies with artificial intelligence, computer vision and IoT sensors to deliver a more automated, energy-efficient and cost-effective harvesting process.

Led by Professor Garenth Lim King Hann, the Curtin Malaysia research team comprises Dr Lau Shiew Wei, Professor John Lau Sie Yon, Professor Tuong-Thuy Vu, Dr Law Ming Chiat and Dr Saaveethya Sivakumar, with support from research fellows and assistants, including Dr Jonathan Then Sien Phang, Dr Basil Andy Lease, Dr Emmanuel Yahaya, Leonard Umban Anak Pengarah, James Chun Ket Tai, and Subha E Zannat.

Professor Lim and Professor John Lau represented the team at the award ceremony held at Curtin University in Perth on 28 August, where Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne presented them with the prestigious honour.

Professor Lim said the recognition was a significant milestone for the team and reflected the potential of Ai-MASS to transform the way microalgae is harvested for industrial applications.

“Microalgae harvesting has long been a major bottleneck in large-scale biomass production. Conventional methods can be energy-intensive, require costly equipment and often rely on chemical additives that may compromise the quality of the final product,” he said.

“Ai-MASS tackles these limitations by integrating bio-based flocculation, micro–nano-bubble flotation and camera-based AI opacity monitoring, together with IoT sensors. This allows the system to continuously monitor and optimise the harvesting process in real time, reducing energy consumption, operational costs and reliance on manual labour.”

Beyond improving the efficiency of microalgae production, Professor Lim said the technology has potential applications across energy, biotechnology and sustainability-focused industries, particularly as demand grows for technologies supporting carbon utilisation and more sustainable resource development.

The innovation was developed in close collaboration with PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd, with industry contributors including Mohammad Syazwan Onn, Dr Nurul Farahin Abd Wahab, Dr Norhafizzuddin Husein, Ridhwan Zhafri Kamarul Bahrim and Tg M Uzaini Bin Tg Mat.

Professor Lim said engagement with PETRONAS through the PETRONAS–Academia Collaboration Dialogue had provided valuable industry perspectives and highlighted strong interest in scalable, energy-efficient microalgae technologies.

“The collaboration with PETRONAS has been particularly valuable in helping us understand the practical requirements and potential industrial applications of this technology. It demonstrates how university research, when developed alongside industry partners, can translate into solutions for real-world challenges,” he said.

The Curtin Global Award adds to Curtin Malaysia’s growing track record in research and innovation, highlighting the campus’s contribution to developing technologies with potential impact beyond Sarawak.

Professor Lim expressed his appreciation to all members of the research team and PETRONAS collaborators whose expertise and support contributed to the development of Ai-MASS.

“An achievement like this is never the work of one person. It reflects the collective effort of our researchers, research fellows, assistants and industry partners. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to bringing Ai-MASS to this stage,” he said.

The recognition also underscores the potential of AI-enabled research and industry collaboration to accelerate the development of sustainable technologies, positioning Curtin Malaysia researchers to contribute to emerging solutions in the region and beyond.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne (right) presents the Curtin Global Award to Professor John Lau (left) and Professor Garenth Lim at the Global Curtinnovation Awards 2026.