IMCRC backs manufacture of impact absorbing traffic light

A new research collaboration backed by the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre is developing traffic lights that absorb kinetic energy during a collision. With $100,000 in funding from IMCRC, road safety manufacturing company Impact Absorbing Systems (IAS) is collaborating with University of South Australia (UniSA) STEM to re-engineer the ubiquitous traffic light. The $640,000 project…

SA technologists press for active industry plan

Sixty-six of South Australia’s leading technologists, scientists and engineers have tabled a technology and industry policy-based plan that will foster innovation, economic growth. The plan, released in advance of the state election in 2022, highlights vital fields that will supercharge SA’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and power the state’s transition to a low-carbon future. It…

Sovereign material can take the heat of a rocket

An advanced high-temperature material developed by Australian defence scientists could be destined for space thanks to an ongoing partnership between defence and Gold Coast rocket company, Gilmour Space Technologies. Capable of withstanding temperatures of 3,200 degrees Celsius, the innovative composite material is a promising candidate for use in Gilmour’s rocket motor casings and is soon…

Morrison says universities should shift focus from ‘publish or perish’ towards commercialising research

Announcing $242.7 million for a yet-to-be-selected small group of “trailblazer” universities, the government wants to encourage those that are “early adopters of intellectual property, industrial relations and skills practices to lift collaboration and commercialisation outcomes”.
Four universities, including one regional institution, will be funded under the program. They will work with industry partners to drive commercialisation across the government’s six manufacturing priorities.

Solinnov and C4 EDGE demonstrate sovereign mesh radio

Software defined radio technology company Solinnov has successfully demonstrated the mesh capability of its BlueBottle multi-mission software-defined radio, capable of RF signal detection and countermeasure generation. Solinnov, part of the C4EDGE consortium of 20 Australian SMEs, showed its BlueM infrastructureless network and demonstrated a Blue Force Tracking scenario and the geolocation of emitters at an…

Lavo to manufacture hydrogen fuel cells in Qld

Australian energy technology company LAVO Hydrogen Technology will establish a $15 million factory to manufacture hydrogen fuel cells. Greater Springfield, a private sector-developed CBD south-west of Brisbane, will be the site for the facility, backed by the state government’s Invested in Queensland program and Queensland Jobs Fund. Treasurer Cameron Dick said construction of the new…