Critical mineral industry gets a boost with new funding
The Australian government is investing millions in Australia’s critical minerals industry as part of its Future Made in Australia initiative.
Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed
Codan completes the acquisition of Kägwerks Communications and metal detection manufacturer Codan, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Codan US Inc, has completed the acquisition of 100 percent of US-based organisation SKT2 LLC dba Kägwerks (Kägwerks). Kägwerks is a leader in tactical operator-worn networking communications technologies that enable connectivity and integrated secure networking in a military…
Breakthrough Victoria invests in AI sensor company
Breakthrough Victoria is investing $2 million in Umps Health, a Victorian company developing sensors and AI to enable proactive aged care at home. The Umps Link, a smart home platform, is the product of six years of research and development and now supports thousands of households across Australia. The technology is easily installed in the…
Defence to buy HIMARS or locally made Thales StrikeMaster
The federal government has moved to equip the Australian Army with land-based, long-range fires to protect Australia’s northern approaches. In line with the priorities of the 2024 National Defence Strategy, the Government will select from two options: The Precision Strike Missile fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher vehicle The Naval Strike…
Aurora Labs secures defence contract for aircraft turbine
Additive manufacturer Aurora Labs has received an order from the Department of Defence to 3D print a micro gas turbine aircraft engine. The order, valued at $319,000, demonstrates the company’s growing role in enhancing sovereign capabilities through cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies, according to an announcement. It builds upon the ongoing development of A3D’s existing range…
Funding to boost South Australian manufacturers advanced tech
The South Australian government has launched a new, $1 million program to accelerate manufacturers uptake of advanced tech.
Major vaccine manufacturing facility opens in Victoria
Moderna has opened the Southern Hemisphere’s only mRNA vaccine manufacturing site in Victoria, aiming to make 100 million doses a year.
WA boosts venture capital fund to $45 million
The Western Australian government has allocated $45 million in venture capital funding to supercharge local start-ups. Seven venture capital firms have been selected following a Request for Proposal, and will be supported to invest through the state government’s WA Venture Capital initiative (WAVC). The partnership will see the chosen firms invest a total of $150…
Mesoblast drug gets approval from FDA, but shares drop
Pharmaceutical developer Mesoblast’s Revascor (rexlemestrocel-L) drug for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) has been granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Earlier this year FDA granted REVASCOR both Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) and Orphan-Drug Designation (ODD) for congenital heart disease, acknoeledging that the disrase is…
HLTCRC maps out heavy industry net zero transition
The Heavy Industry Low-Carbon Transition Co-operative Research Centre (HILT CRC) has launched a flagship three-year project on energy infrastructure to help guide heavy industry decarbonisation. The project will provide clear, data-driven estimates of energy costs to inform government policy and enable heavy industry to plan its decarbonisation pathway. ‘Unlocking investment in energy infrastructure for net-zero…