Australian Seaweed Institute chief executive, Jo Kelly is one of 40 individuals sharing in $1 million of grants from the AMP Foundation’s Tomorrow Fund this year.

Since 2014, this AMP Foundation program has provided $7 million in grants to more than 300 Australians who are working hard to make a positive difference in their communities. 

Known as AMP Tomorrow Makers, these inspiring award winners work across a range of fields and disciplines, including science, social innovation, sport, technology, disability advocacy, education and more. The grants are designed to help talented Australians to take their passion projects to the next level, from medical research, music production, technology, covering travel costs and more.  

Jo founded the Australian Seaweed Institute to help develop a world-class seaweed industry in Australia. Seaweed has many benefits: it’s a nutritious food source that can also clean waterways, attract marine life and create plastic-replacement products. 

While our coastline has ideal growing conditions, as yet there are no commercial ocean-based seaweed farms in Australia. To change this, Jo has developed a framework to guide a national seaweed industry and unite government and researchers. 

Jo is using her grant of $20,000 to fund nanotechnology research to increase seaweed’s capacity to improve water quality. 

“We have an opportunity here to protect our environment and improve the health of our bays, oceans and the Great Barrier Reef,” Jo said.

“This solution has the potential to significantly improve water quality and ocean health.  Also, the technology can be applied globally to help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and reverse the increasing acidity of our oceans.”

AMP Tomorrow Fund 2020 recipients range in age from 15 to 62 and come from across Australia - from Perth to Townsville, rural Victoria to inner-city Sydney and regional New South Wales. 

The Tomorrow Makers’ projects also reflect major social challenges and issues faced in Australia today including addressing COVID-19 pandemic through online health and education and support to artists and musicians, as well as support to people who have experienced domestic violence. 

Head of the AMP Foundation, Helen Liondos, commented:

“Every year, hundreds of hard-working and innovative individuals apply for grants from the AMP Tomorrow Fund. The beauty of this unique program is that it’s open to any Australian, of any age, from any part of Australia. All they need to have is an unrelenting commitment to what they’re trying to achieve and to contribute to our community. 

“Award winners can use their grants to fund a wide range of items to help them achieve their goal - whether it’s a vital piece of equipment, training or expert support. These boosts can make all the difference to a project’s success. 

“Despite all the disruption of this year, so many Australians remain committed to making a positive impact on their communities. These  individuals, who continue to train hard, create new art, search for scientific or social solutions, are not only inspirations but also confirmation that Australia has a wealth of exceptional individuals to take us into better days.”

For the full list of 2020 Tomorrow Makers, plus profiles and videos, visit ampstomorrowfund.com.au.