Cochlear rejects ACCC arguments on proposed takeover

Hearing implant manufacturer Cochlear has rejected competition concerns raised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) over its proposed acquisition of Oticon Medical. The ACC said in a statement that the proposed takeover of non-surgical bone conductive hearing device manufacturer Oticon raised ‘preliminary competition concerns’ due to there being few global manufacturers of such…

Graphene is a proven supermaterial, but manufacturing the versatile form of carbon at usable scales remains a challenge

By Kevin Wyss, Rice University “Future chips may be 10 times faster, all thanks to graphene”; “Graphene may be used in COVID-19 detection”; and “Graphene allows batteries to charge 5x faster” – those are just a handful of recent dramatic headlines lauding the possibilities of graphene. Graphene is an incredibly light, strong and durable material…

RM Williams and Waverly Mills launch Australian made picnic blanket

Outback outfitter R.M.Williams has extended its range of Australian made products, launching picnic blankets manufactured by Tasmania’s Waverly Mills. The Adelaide company, which is best known for its locally made boots and leather goods, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting and nurturing Australian craftsmanship, we’re partnering with leading artisans and creators around…

Australia’s place in the semiconductor world: IP is the main thing, says quantum computing hopeful

Today in Australia’s place in the semiconductor world we consider ASX-listed Archer Materials, which is developing a quantum processor. Brent Balinski spoke to CEO Dr Mohammad Choucair. A lot of things are impossible, as the quote goes, until they’re done. At this stage, building a practical quantum computer remains impossible. Asked about his company’s approach…