Alpha HPA expands supply to the semiconductor sector

Alpha HPA expanded its capability to supply high purity alumina materials to the semiconductor industry, according to a statement released by the company on Tuesday. The company reported recent customer test results and a new Letter of Intent to meet demand from AI-driven data centres and next-generation power electronics. Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) testing confirmed…

UQ biotech innovation partnership forges a second startup

A new startup aimed at discovering and developing anti-inflammatory disease medicines has been formed by The University of Queensland’s commercialisation arm UniQuest and global biotech company Molecule to Medicine (MTM), according to a statement released on Tuesday. Curlew Bio will leverage expertise from the Queensland Emory and Drug Discovery Initiative (QEDDI) and research developed by…

Whyalla steelworks was ‘relying on luck for safety’ before administration

The Whyalla steelworks was losing $1.5 million per day before being forced into administration, burning through nearly $320 million in seven months, administrators KordaMentha revealed at a creditors meeting on Monday. The administrators outlined total debts exceeding $1.34 billion, including $189 million in outstanding employee entitlements and $40.2 million owed to the South Australian government…

Avecho signs $23 million deal with Sandoz for CBD insomnia treatment

Avecho Biotechnology signed an exclusive ten-year development and licensing agreement with Sandoz for the commercial rights to its cannabidiol (CBD) insomnia treatment in Australia, according to an ASX announcement released on Monday. The deal includes an upfront payment of US$3 million (approximately A$4.8 million) and potential development milestone payments totalling US$16 million prior to commercialisation.…

Fashion’s second chance: Pact and BlockTexx team up to rescue clothes from landfill

Your old T-shirts and jeans might soon get a glamorous second life, as plastic recycler Pact Group and clean technology company BlockTexx joined forces on Friday to tackle Australia’s growing mountain of discarded clothing. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to explore an end-to-end rescue mission for unloved polyester and cotton-blend garments. Instead of…

Australia and India join forces on new tech research institute

Swinburne University of Technology and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) launched a joint research institute to tackle global technology challenges, according to an announcement from the universities. The Swinburne-IITH Manufacturing, Materials, Energy and Communication Technologies (SIMMECT) Joint Research Institute will focus on three primary areas: advanced materials and manufacturing, energy transition solutions, and…

New heights for Queensland’s sustainable aviation fuel industry

The federal government announced funding for two sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects in Queensland on Tuesday, according to a joint media release. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $8 million to Australian technology developer Licella to assess the viability of establishing a biorefinery facility in the Bundaberg region. The facility would convert sugar…

InfraBuild’s CEO: ‘Business as usual’ despite Whyalla administration

InfraBuild CEO Francisco Irazusta reassured stakeholders that operations remain unaffected by the administration of OneSteel Manufacturing, owner of the Whyalla Steelworks, in a statement released on Monday. Irazusta emphasised that InfraBuild operates as an independent business from OneSteel Manufacturing, with its own board, governance, and financing, separate from the wider GFG Alliance. “We’re in a…

Australia strengthens science partnerships with $6.3 million in international grants

The Albanese Government announced $6.3 million in grants as part of Round 2 of the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element (GSTDF-SE) on Tuesday. The GSTDF-SE aims to build international science relationships with key partners in Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea. Grants ranging from $100,000…