AI for the circular economy
Next generation of AI researchers for a sustainable future of Australia.
Pioneering the shift toward a sustainable future, Southern Cross University is driving an AI-powered digital transformation designed to build a thriving, smart circular economy. By equipping next-generation graduates with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and emerging technology skills, this initiative turns real-world environmental challenges into scalable regional solutions. Focused on keeping valuable materials and resources in productive use for longer, research students collaborate directly with industry partners using the New South Wales Northern Rivers as a model region for innovation. In partnership with UTS, ResolveYourWorld, Csens, and forward-thinking Australian industry leaders, the program bridges research, technology, and community to secure long-term economic and environmental resilience across Australia.
About the project
Building the skills a circular economy needs.
This program produces next-generation AI graduates who will develop the knowledge, skills and tools needed to drive a smart circular economy in Australia, with a focus at the regional scale.
The shift to a more circular economy is urgently needed. It enables more efficient and effective use of resources, minimises waste, and helps ensure resource security. But making circularity work at a regional scale requires enabling tools that do not yet exist.
We train a cohort of research students to work directly with industry partners, applying AI and other next-generation digital technologies to build that capability and embed circular economy practices within regional economies. The NSW Northern Rivers serves as our model region.
Project video
What does a circular region look like?
A short introduction to the program, the research themes and the Northern Rivers region.
Research themes
Two problems, set by industry.
Partner — CSENS
AI and fintech for a smart economy
CSENS is a purpose-driven fintech using tokenisation to reward sustainable choices. Students apply AI to build Envirosocial impact metrics, ESG reward systems and real-time sustainability scoring, turning everyday transactions into measurable environmental and social benefit.
Partner — Revolve Your World
AI for advanced waste management
Revolve Your World designs, builds and operates circular economy systems for Australian communities. Students use AI and machine learning to identify waste stream types, detect contamination, and drive robotics that improve sorting.
Collaboration
Built across disciplines and institutions.
The program combines artificial intelligence, business, engineering and circular economy expertise across two universities and four industry partners.
Delivered by
Industry partners
Project timeline
From recruitment to regional impact.
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Recruitment and project scoping
Honours and MPhil scholarships open, students matched to industry-identified problems, and data access agreements established with partners.
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Model development and tool building
Students build and validate the first AI capability across both themes, working on partner sites and datasets.
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Field testing in the Northern Rivers
Tools move from development into operating conditions with partners, and are evaluated against real recovery and adoption measures.
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Evaluation and transfer
Results consolidated, graduates complete, and the regional model documented for transfer to comparable economies.
Project team
Supervisors, partners and students.
The program is supervised by researchers across Southern Cross University and the University of Technology Sydney, working alongside our industry partners.
