Australian Catholic University
ACU Secures Major Grant for Aged Care Innovation
ACU has won its first Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) grant for a project using AI-powered data input technology to improve aged care.
A team led by ACU Dean of Innovation and Industry Engagement Professor Myriam Amielh, Enterprise Business Partner Ms Melinda Hunt, and Head of School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine (NSW) Professor Jenny Sim, was awarded the $487,000 grant from the Australian Government.
ACU will collaborate with Microsoft and BaptistCare on a project to develop Jessie Technology, a hands-free data input technology that automates data entry for frontline workers. By improving the data collection process, aged care workers will have more time to provide quality care by spending less time on paperwork and more time connecting.
The aged care industry in Australia faces significant workforce challenges, with a predicted shortfall of 110,000 workers by 2030.
ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis said the funding acknowledged the university’s strength in using STEMM to address pressing national issues.
“As part of our long-term strategic plan, Vision 2033, we are committing our skills and knowledge to make practical contributions that address the social challenges facing our nation, including in the care economy,” Professor Skrbis said.
“This grant allows us to collaborate with government and industry to engage in mission-aligned work that develops workforce capacity in areas of critical need, such as aged care.
“The project utilises AI-powered data input technology to enhance care quality. This aligns with our mission objective: to recognise human dignity as a fundamental imperative. We aim to ensure that every individual’s inherent worth is valued and respected, particularly in healthcare settings which encompass ageing, longevity, senior services and disability care.”
ACU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) Professor Abid Khan said the inaugural AEA grant underscored the university’s commitment to partnering with industry to translate research into practical impact.
“We are focused on ethically informed research in partnership with industry that creates positive change in our communities,” Professor Khan said.
“This inaugural AEA grant signals our serious commitment to STEMM, particularly in our areas of strength such as health care, aged care and nursing.
“It also highlights our active engagement with industry partners like Microsoft and BaptistCare to develop solutions to pressing national issues.”
Over the next few months, ACU will work with BaptistCare to deliver a working prototype of its Jessie Technology.
Development of the Jessie Technology prototype has been enabled due to generous philanthropic support from the Opalgate Foundation, a philanthropic organisation that provides financial support to charitable initiatives in health, as well as education and cultural preservation.
Petrina Greenwood, Head of IT Strategy and Innovation at BaptistCare, said they were excited to partner with ACU on this innovative solution to one of the challenges facing Australia’s aged care sector.
“We are excited to be working with a partner like ACU who is focused on creating a culture of innovation while keeping person-centred care at the core of everything they do,” Ms Greenwood said.
“Both ACU and BaptistCare are committed to evidence-based research and leveraging and leading AI innovation to address challenges in Australia’s aged care sector.”
Delivery of the technology has also been supported by Microsoft Australia, who have partnered with ACU since 2022 to empower individuals and communities through multi-partner innovation projects.
“We are proud to work with ACU and support the Jessie Technology project as it delivers on our shared partnership initiatives by prioritising innovation in health, education and aged care in Australia”, said Adam Pollington, Microsoft’s ANZ Education Director.
https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/news/2025/march/acu-wins-prestigious-grant-to-drive-innovation-in-aged-care