Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

EMVision backed by $2.5 million NSW government grant

Medical imaging technology developer EMVision Medical Devices has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the NSW Medical Devices Fund. The company, which is commercialising a microwave technology for stroke imaging (pictured), will receive the funding of the NSW Office for Health and Medical Research to support clinical studies. EMVision will repay the grant upon reaching a positive operating profit supported by commercial success. The company is being supported by a major grant from the Australian Stroke Alliance, with $1.2 million already received. EMvision CEO Dr Ron Weinberger said the grant was ‘recognition of our unique technology but more importantly, the understanding by the selection panel of the potential to revolutionise stroke imaging and treatment at the point of care.’

CSIRO releases new collaboration readiness tool

The CSIRO has announced a “Collaboration Readiness Levels” (CRL) tool, which it says will help small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) determine the best way to engage and collaborate with publicly-funded researchers. The organisation’s SME Connect Deputy Director, George Feast said that research showed SMEs collaborating with researchers displayed higher levels of innovation, and “are better able to deal with uncertainty and are more profitable,” adding that the new tool is backed by research based on interviews with SMEs and related data analysis from partners at universities. University of Queensland Professor Martie-Louise Verreynne described CRL as “complementary to NASA’s Technology Readiness Levels and can support a holistic view to approaching new collaborative research and development projects.” More info here.

ADDE closes its doors

Industrial automation company Andrew Donald Design Engineering on Friday last week that it was proceeding to appoint a liquidator. “After nearly 27 years designing and building amazing automation systems with the most dedicated and capable group of people, I am sad to say that ADDE is closing our doors today,” said Managing Director Barry Hendy in a statement on Linkedin. Hendy thanked clients, suppliers and staff of the Bayswater, Victoria-headquartered company, which he has led since 2011.

DroneShield’s $1 million order

Drone detection and countermeasure manufacturer DroneShield has received a $1 million order for its DroneSentry-X units from an international government agency. As usual the company did not name the government customer, which will receive the counterdrone systems which will come in the detect and defeat variant. Such systems can be mounted on a vehicle, ship or fixed site. In this case AI powered software updates will be delivered quarterly on a subscription basis. DroneShield CEO Oleg Vornik said a number of the company’s customers were accelerating counterdrone acquisitions in response to a general rise in global tensions and uncertainty.

SciDev’s new CEO

Water technology company SciDev has appointed Sean Halpin, its former commercial director of water services, as chief executive officer. Halpin came to the company with its purchase of Haldon Industries, where he was a co-founder and commercial director. He has 15 years experience in the engineering and environmental services sector, and holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree from Dublin City University and a Masters of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Newcastle-upon Tyne.

ReNu Energy green hydrogen projects to be supported by HESTA

ReNu Energy and superannuation fund HESTA have signed a non binding term sheet for the fund to invest up to $100 million in ReNu green hydrogen projects. The health and community services sector fund will be given first right of refusal to invest in existing or future projects, potentially alongside additional investors. ReNu chairman Boyd White said the agreement followed progress the company had made since its acquisition of Countrywide hydrogen in February this year. “With HESTA’s support we look forward to delivering green hydrogen and contributing to a low carbon future.”

Q-CTRL makes new senior appointments

Last week quantum control software company Q-CTRL announced the additions of Kelly Gurr as Head of Marketing and Donna Hacker as Head of Finance, making five new members added to the leadership team in 2022. Q-CTRL said in a statement that Gurr and Hacker joined the industry based on the promise of quantum technology to accelerate innovation and revolutionise business. Gurr will head marketing efforts across Australia, the U.S. and Europe. while Hacker will lead, manage and build all facets of Q-CTRL’s accounting and financial endeavours. Gurr is based in Melbourne and Hacker in California, and have 20 years’ experience in marketing and 31 years of experience in finance, respectively.

FFI and Indonesian steel giant to investigate hydrogen in decarbonisation