Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 5 hours ago
The second annual Molecular Maverick Pitch Event was held at Customs House on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
Huge congratulations to Koko Kawaura, our 2026 Molecular Maverick.
Koko’s research aims to commercialise a novel biotechnology using immobilised bacteria to treat domestic and mining wastewater while recovering valuable resources from these waste streams. With the translation of her research to a patent, she continues to engage with utility and mining companies, share her research in multiple international conferences while undergoing business development through CSIRO’s ON program, the National Energy Transition Accelerator, and the Australian Economic Accelerator. Koko is committed to shaping a circular economy and tackling global environmental challenges through the power of bacteria.
About the Molecular Maverick Prize:
The Molecular Maverick Prize celebrates those who see opportunity where others see challenge; those with exceptional vision and skill, and the courage to break free from traditional boundaries in academia and industry, and change the game entirely.
https://scmb.uq.edu.au/molecular-maverick-prize
The second annual Molecular Maverick Pitch Event was held at Customs House on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
Huge congratulations to Koko Kawaura, our 2026 Molecular Maverick.
Koko’s research aims to commercialise a novel biotechnology using immobilised bacteria to treat domestic and mining wastewater while recovering valuable resources from these waste streams. With the translation of her research to a patent, she continues to engage with utility and mining companies, share her research in multiple international conferences while undergoing business development through CSIRO’s ON program, the National Energy Transition Accelerator, and the Australian Economic Accelerator. Koko is committed to shaping a circular economy and tackling global environmental challenges through the power of bacteria.
About the Molecular Maverick Prize:
The Molecular Maverick Prize celebrates those who see opportunity where others see challenge; those with exceptional vision and skill, and the courage to break free from traditional boundaries in academia and industry, and change the game entirely.
https://scmb.uq.edu.au/molecular-maverick-prize
