Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Applications open for 2023 Venture Catalyst Space programme

Applications for the University of South Australia’s Innovation & Collaboration Centre’s (ICC) Venture Catalyst Space are now open. Supported by the South Australian government the programme connects founders with industry experts including from NASA, the Australian Space Agency, Defence SA, Airbus and the Smart SatCRC. Since its inception in 2018, Venture Catalyst Space has supported 29 space startups, helping fast-track market entry, accelerate commercialisation, and strengthen connections to investors and researchers.

Northrop Grumman signs with Quickstep for further six years

Northrop Grumman Corporation has signed a six-year extension of its agreement with composites manufacturer Quickstep Holdings for the supply of components to support the global aerospace programme. The order was signed under an existing Memorandum of Understanding with the Sydney-based company, where work will be undertaken, according to an announcement from Northrop Grumman. General manager, Northrop Grumman Asia Pacific Christine Zeitz said: “Northrop Grumman has an unwavering commitment to help grow Australia’s sovereign defence industry. Quickstep Holdings is a long-time member of our global supply chain, providing critical capability into one of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) most important programmes, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration over the coming years.” Northrop Grumman manufactures the centre fuselage section for all three F-35 variants, and has worked with Quickstep since 2012.

Agreement paves way for square kilometre array

The federal and Western Australian governments have reached agreement with native title holders in WA that will allow the construction of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope (pictured) on the lands of the Wajarri Yamaji. The Government, CSIRO and the Wajarri Yamaji community joined in an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) that will enable the historic international radio telescope to be built. The ILUA will provide the Wajarri Yamaji with sustainable and intergenerational benefits in areas such as enterprise and training, education and culture. The SKA will be the world’s largest scientific instrument, utilising 130,000 Australian-designed antennas and signal processing technologies and will be located at CSIRO’s Murchison Observatory and in South Africa.

Titomic furthers penetration of US market

Metal additive manufacturing technology company Titomic has strengthened its US presence, selling a D523 system and signing a reseller agreement with manufacturing technology supplier MSI Viking. MSI Viking purchased a D523 dcemonstrator system to help generate sales opportunities, as well as providing additive manufacturing repair services. MSI Viking will have exclusivity within 11 states across eastern and southern USA, including Michigan and Florida. Titomic manufactures Titomic Kinetic Fusion 3D printers as well as low-pressure cold spray systems such as the D523.

Elsight raises $8 million to speed expansion

Drone connectivity technology developer Elsight has secured commitments for an $8 million capital raising to speed expansion plans ‘towards commercialisation’. The company secured the capital through a convertible notes issue with the cash to be received in two tranches of $6 million and $2 million. Funds will strengthen the company’s balance sheet and allow it to execute on growth initiatives. During 2022 the company signed a number of multi-year agreements and, while initial orders have been received, the funds will be used to meet repeat orders and growing demand.

Fleet Space to provide satellite mineral exploration

Satellite connectivity manufacturer Fleet Space Technologies will supply mining company Core Lithium with its ExoSphere satellite-based mineral exploration services. The partnership follows Core Lithium’s opening of its Finniss lithium mine, satellite survey trials and plans for exploration of other lithium projects. Fleet’s nanosatellite mineral exploration system, ExoSphere will study Core’s tenements in the Northern Territory. Core was funded to utilise ExoSphere at its Shoobridge Project in 2022 by the Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations programme.

Report on opportunities for Australian SMEs in China to launch

Asialink Business and National Foundation for Australia-China Relations will release a new report on Tuesday, titled Risk and Reward: Opportunities for Australian SMEs in China. According to event organisers, the report — which will be launched at online and in-person events — draws on in-depth research and interviews with Australian SMEs in sectors including food and beverage, skincare, health supplements and fashion. The in-person launch event at Melbourne will feature Leigh Howard, CEO, Asialink Business; Peter Cai, CEO, National Foundation for Australia-China Relations; Robert Law, Director, Advisory and Insights, Asialink Business; Phillip Gomizel, Managing Director, Pipan Foods Pty Ltd; and Catherine Cervasio, CEO, Aromababy. More information is available here.