The SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has unveiled a Compact Hybrid Optical-RF User Segment (CHORUS) prototype terminal to provide more stable and secured military satellite communications. Funded by SmartSat CRC, the terminal which was developed over three years of research was revealed at the 15th Australian Space Forum underway in Adelaide. Technology embedded in the…
Budget 2023 provided $392 million for an Industry Growth Program to maximise the return on taxpayers’ investments and provide a clearer pathway for entrepreneurs to develop businesses for later consideration by the government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund. By Roy Green. The new Industry Growth Program is a modest but well considered recognition of the…
Critical minerals developer FYI Resources has moved into the rare earths processing business with the execution of an agreement for the staged acquisition of Minhub Operations Pty Ltd (MOPL). MOPL plans to provide rare earths processing solutions to suppliers of rare earths rich mineral sands via offtake of concentrates, including from the Gippsland and Murray…
By Peter Roberts Much of the federal government’s 2023 budget has been leaked in advance, but Treasurer Jim Chalmers held back a few morsels including good news for the Industry Growth Centres in his official budget speech delivered in Canberra tonight. In a budget the government characterised as prudent – it predicts a rare surplus…
A vigorous campaigner for truly sovereign, Australian defence SMEs, Nova Systems Chief Executive Officer Jim McDowell, is to leave his job for a new role with the Department of Defence that will help shape the future of industry. McDowell will leave the largely consulting services company to take up the appointment of Deputy Secretary Naval…
A second new drug from biotechnology company Immuron is to undergo human trials in the United States following a decision by the Food and Drug Administration that allows trials to proceed. The Melbourne company told investors the US Naval Medical Research Centre (NMRC) had received approval to trial the drug targeting Campylobacter and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia…
@AuManufactruring’s sponsored series reporting BAE Systems Australia’s Partnering for success defence industry supplier event, concludes today, with a focus on cyber security. By Nicholas Way The tragic war in Ukraine has been a catalyst for serious investment in cybersecurity by defence organisations globally, and Australia is no exception. That’s the view of Tony Howell, Global…
Start up business Sicona Battery Technologies has purchased a world-first, scalable, edge-functionalised graphene production method from researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials and ANFF-Materials. As part of the deal, Sicona signed a two-year research agreement with Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) researchers to scale up the EFG fabrication process for commercial production…
Critical minerals producer Lynas Rare Earths has received an extension to its operating licence for its metals manufacturing plant in Malaysia – but only until 1 January, 2024. Announced by Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the reprieve means the company will now be able to continue to import lanthanide concentrate from Australia Lynas…
The federal government will establish two new agencies to oversee the acquisition of nuclear powered submarines and to regulate the safety of the vessels and their reactors. The Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) will be established by Executive Order and be responsible and accountable for the management and oversight of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine programme. The Nuclear-Powered…
