We built a ‘brain’ from tiny silver wires. It learns in real time, more efficiently than computer-based AI

By Zdenka Kuncic, University of Sydney and Ruomin Zhu, University of Sydney The world is infatuated with artificial intelligence (AI), and for good reason. AI systems can process vast quantities of data in a seemingly superhuman way. However, current AI systems rely on computers running complex algorithms based on artificial neural networks. These use huge…

Moderna launches mRNA Platform Incubator Network

US-based biotech company Moderna has announced the launch of the mRNA Platform Incubator Network, linking Australian organisations with strength in translational and pharmaceutical science, early-phase clinical trials and regulatory science.  According to the maker of the Spikevax COVID‑19 vaccine, the group aims to “advance mRNA medicine, foster scientific excellence in clinical translation in Australia and…

New report looks at skills needed for Australian semiconductor moonshot

Following its Australia’s semiconductor manufacturing moonshot report last year, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute has published a follow-up report on developing the talent pipeline needed to underpin a local chip industry. Published on Thursday, Australia’s semiconductor manufacturing moonshot: securing semiconductor talent looks at the importance of developing skills, global human capital challenges, and – as…

IDT’s good start with new strategy

Pharmaceutical and medicinal cannabis manufacturer IDT Australia has reported a sales turnaround with revenues of $3 million in Q1FY24, up 300 percent on the previous corresponding period. The company told investors it has secured a further $2.1 million in new contracts in October with $4.2 million in contracts at the approval stage. The company’s sales…

SunDrive to scale up low-cost solar cell production

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $11 million in funding to innovative Australian solar technology company SunDrive Solar to expand its novel solar cell metallisation capabilities. The company’s solar cell production capacity will rise from prototype scale of 1.5 MW/yr to commercial capacity of greater than 100 MW/yr. SunDrive has previously received $3…