AI innovation to revolutionise preservation of First Nations artefacts

Issued: 3 Dec 2025

A Gold Coast-based business is developing a first-of-its-kind system using Artificial Intelligence (AI), to streamline processing of First Nations artefacts at the Queensland Museum.

Clevvi Technology has been selected through the Queensland Government’s Private Sector Pathways (PSP) Challenge program to bring their innovative platform to life, receiving $50,000 in government funding and $50,000 from the Queensland Museum.

Queensland-based organisations were invited to apply to the Queensland Museum Challenge by proposing an innovative solution that aims to improve the identification, cataloguing and preservation of First Nations artefacts.

Clevvi Technology’s proposed solution – an AI-assisted system, could help the Queensland Museum to digitise, classify, store and process First Nations cultural materials like hunting and gathering tools, traditional baskets, boomerangs and rock engravings.

Using AI, each artefact will be digitised by capturing high-resolution images preserving intricate details with precision, ensuring every piece of history is preserved.

Advanced algorithms then analyse the artefact to identify unique features, patterns or markings that contribute to its authenticity. These details will be securely recorded and linked to tamper-proof digital records, safeguarding their provenance and cultural significance.

AI can assist in verifying the artefact’s history by cross-referencing it with existing databases and even predicting its origin based on material composition or design.

Tags or labels will be suggested for each artefact allowing users to review and refine them and control who can access the materials in line with the Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles.

This innovative solution sets a benchmark for cultural institutions worldwide, celebrating and honouring the rich heritage of First Nations people.

Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Deputy Director-General of Innovation Jasmine Vreugdenburg said this innovative solution is a fantastic example of how technology can support scientific collections

“By leveraging AI, we can ensure these invaluable pieces of history are safeguarded,” she said.

“It’s an exciting step forward for the Queensland Museum, that also highlights Queensland businesses’ innovative capabilities.”

Clevvi Technology CEO James Deck said by combining Clevvi’s AI expertise with Anonyome Labs’ Queensland-made credential technology, we’re putting the Queensland Museum at the forefront of digital heritage preservation.

“The Clevvi team is excited to use our skills to preserve Australia’s most significant First Nations heritage,” he said.

“Our AI analyses artefacts in detail, but every suggestion is reviewed by curators and cultural knowledge holders. That combination of technology and human oversight ensures trusted provenance is preserved in digital records.

“This new system will enable experts to focus on engaging with communities and preserving cultural stories.”

Queensland Museum CEO Dr Jim Thompson said Queensland Museum is committed to preserving and honouring the cultural heritage of First Nations Peoples.

“This partnership with Clevvi Technology represents a groundbreaking step forward in how we care for and share and repatriate these invaluable artefacts,” Dr Thompson said.

“By combining cutting-edge AI with the wisdom of cultural knowledge holders, we’re ensuring these stories and histories are safeguarded for future generations while setting a global benchmark in cultural identification and preservation."

A prototype system will be developed over the next eight months.