The university’s Genesis Pre-Seed Fund and research commercialisation investor Uniseed backed R2Crete, for industry trials and help the startup develop commercial partnerships.
R2Crete’s patented process turns waste concrete into clean aggregates and a cement replacement for use in new concrete. That reducing the need for virgin materials such as sand, gravel and limestone.
Melbourne uni senior lecturer Dr Tuan Nguyen, developed the research on the process, cofounding R2Crete with MD Warren Overton and Professor Mahdi Miri Disfani.
They claim the process can recover up to 75% of the cement in waste concrete and deliver a 50% reduction in carbon emissions while maintaining the performance of conventional concrete.
The pilot plant will provide the next test of those claims at commercial scale, including whether the materials can be produced reliably and cost effectively.
Construction is expected to finish by the end of this year, with field trials beginning in early 2027. R2Crete is discussing trials with prospective industry partners.
Overton said the funding would help bridge the gap between research and deployment.
“Securing this funding from Genesis and Uniseed is a pivotal moment for R2Crete. It enables us to move from laboratory success to real-world commercial deployment,” he said.
“Our pilot plant will demonstrate that high-value recycled aggregates and cement replacement products can be produced reliably, cost effectively and at scale.”
The founders previously received support from the university’s Proof-of-Concept Fund, participated in its Translating Research at Melbourne program and secured funding through Australia’s Economic Accelerator Ignite program.
Australia has to deal with an estimated 7 million tonnes of waste concrete annually, which mostly becomes landfill.
Uniseed investment manager Jeffrey Bourne said R2Crete’s process stands out for its ability to produce high-quality recycled and low-carbon materials for concrete production in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
“We believe R2Crete is well-positioned to become a leader in sustainable construction materials, and we’re proud to back their journey from research to commercial reality,” he said.
