JV not to be for FBR Robotic technology company FBR told shareholders that the “period for the option granted to CRH Ventures” to enter a joint venture in the US passed on February 16. FBR said it “did not receive formal notice of exercise of the option” from CRH and therefore FBR is no longer…
By Sandy Plunkett It is a sad indictment of Australian business complacency that in 2025 – when the world economy and geopolitics are being transformed by AI and data, biomedical and materials sciences, advanced manufacturing and defence technologies – we are still having to explain that innovation is the driver of every modern economy and…
Khuda foundation donates $100 million for girls in STEM A donation of $100 million from the Khuda Family Foundation will fund a 20-year program to create a pathway for girls from Western Sydney to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and careers. The University of Sydney said in a statement on Wednesday that…
Industry association the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) has blamed factors including “poor policy, cheap imports, government over-taxing businesses and crippling union agreements” for Dandenong-based architectural glassmaker Oceania Glass falling into administration this week. In a statement on Wednesday, following news of Oceania’s collapse on Monday, SEMMA said it was “shocked” at another manufacturer…
By Scott French, UNSW Sydney In a hectic 24 hours of trade diplomacy, US President Donald Trump has paused his threatened 25% tariffs on US imports from Canada and Mexico, while keeping 10% tariffs on imports from China. Australian companies with operations in Canada or Mexico such as Rio Tinto, whose Canadian operations export billions…
Alpha HPA‘s leadership reshuffle Chemical company Alpha HPA announced on Monday that Rob Williamson is stepping into the role of Managing Director, with Rimas Kairaitis moving from the role to serve as serve as Executive Director and Chief Commercial Officer. Chairman Norman Seckold said, “We are very pleased to optimise these key roles as we…
First Graphene books R&D tax rebate First Graphene has told shareholders that it has received a tax rebate of approximately $404,300 for R&D work conducted at its Henderson facility in Western Australia. The company said the amount was delivered “following a series of work completed… to improve manufacturing of its in-demand PureGRAPH products.” The work included…
The federal government has announced Professor Tony Haymet as the nation’s new Chief Scientist, replacing Dr Cathy Foley in the three-year role. Haymet was named as Foley’s successor and Australia’s tenth Chief Scientist on Tuesday. The role involves providing “authoritative and independent evidence-based advice on whole-of-government science and technology priorities” and is appointed by the…
By Tessa Leach, Monash University and Anna Malos, Monash University Aluminium is an exceptionally useful metal. Lightweight, resistant to rust and able to be turned into alloys with other metals. Small wonder it’s the second most used metal in the world after iron and demand is set to soar. But aluminium comes at a cost…
Element 25’s manganese gets $US 166 million grant ASX-listed minerals company Element 25 has announced that a grant agreement has been signed for $US 166 million ($268 million) in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) under the Battery Materials Processing Grant Program. The funding will support construction of a proposed battery-grade high-purity manganese…