From breakthrough technologies and world-class research to ambitious businesses and First Nations-led initiatives, the people driving Australia’s marine bioproducts sector took centre stage at the 3rd Marine Bioproducts Awards.
The Awards were presented at the Marine BioConnect Gala Dinner at Frogmore Creek Wines Cellar Door and Restaurant in Nipaluna Tasmania on 26 August 2026, presented by Heather Kent, Director of the Marine Bioproducts CRC.
“These Awards honour excellence across the Australian marine bioproducts sector and were incredibly competitive, which is a testament to the tremendous achievements of the winners and nominees alike,” Heather said.
“It was such an honour to present the Awards to a room filled with so many inspiring people who are helping shape the future of Australia’s marine bioproducts sector”.
Seven categories were awarded on the night:
Product of the Year Award – Blue Harvest for Marine Vitality, a nutrient-dense marine powder created from mussel by-products and underutilised biomass, demonstrating how previously underused material can be transformed into higher-value products for animal nutrition.
Next Wave Award – Velislav Kotevski, recognised for early career scientific excellence and for communicating the industry relevance and commercial potential beyond the laboratory. Velislav’s PhD research utilises seaweed extracts to improve the healing of chronic wounds – wounds that affect around 450,000 Australians each year and cost the healthcare system $6 billion annually.
Business Impact Award – Yumbah Aquaculture Ltd, for its significant growth and contribution to Australia’s aquaculture industry. Over four years, Yumbah has grown revenue by 150%, while pioneering commercial onshore abalone farming, expanding shellfish production and diversifying into finfish.
Breakthrough Award – Greenalgi Pty Ltd, for its rapid expansion of microalgae production, growing from a 5,000-litre floating photobioreactor operation to the construction of a 90,000-litre facility and helping advance Australia’s emerging microalgae industry.
Research Excellence Award – Associate Professor Yun Feng, for groundbreaking marine-derived probiotic research with the potential to improve animal health, productivity and food safety while reducing reliance on antibiotics, with a clear pathway to industry adoption.
First Nations Engagement & Community Award – Tasmanian Aboriginal Seafoods, for transforming access to Tasmania’s abalone fishery into a platform for cultural renewal, community empowerment and sustainable economic development, guided by the philosophy that “Culture is sacred, not secret.”
Hall of Fame Award – Professor Colin J. Barrow, for a distinguished international career spanning research, industry and commercialisation, including pioneering work in omega-3 technologies, securing investment in marine bioproduct manufacturing and supervising more than 100 early- and mid-career researchers.
The achievements recognised on the night show the many ways Australia’s marine bioproducts sector is evolving, with new ideas moving from research and development into products, businesses and initiatives creating commercial impact.
“Behind every product are passionate people,” said Dr Steve Lapidge, Interim CEO of Marine Bioproducts CRC.
“These are researchers, businesses, emerging professionals and community leaders, all working together to shape this new industry. These awards are about celebrating that collective effort.”
Together, the winners demonstrate how research, innovation and collaboration can translate the potential of Australia’s marine resources into new economic, environmental and social value.
The evening brought together winners, nominees and members of the marine bioproducts community to celebrate the achievements driving this growing industry forward, and the opportunities still to come.
Congratulations to all our winners and nominees. The momentum is building, the opportunities are growing, and you are shaping what comes next for Australia’s marine bioproducts sector.
For more information, visit www.mbcrc.com.
Relive Marine BioConnect 2026 “From Opportunity to Impact” here!
Photography by Nina Hamilton.