Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, March 10 – March 14, 2025

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) BluGlass achieves gallium nitride laser world record result ASX-listed compound semiconductor developer and maker BluGlass has announced what it says is a world record for power produced by a single-mode gallium nitride (GaN) laser. In a statement on Tuesday, the company…

Victorian government announces $5 million for startup programs

The Victorian government has announced funding of $5.1 million to accelerator programs and the Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship, in an announcement they said will support “up to 165 early-stage startups”. According to a statement from minister for economic growth Danny Pearson on Tuesday, the funding will assist startups in accessing “resources, mentorship and vital capital”.…

Under the hood

In the second profile for our Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers campaign, we look at Temora, NSW-based Smith’s BBQs. Brent Balinski spoke to owner John Smith. Made to last. Compact. Easy to start. Easy to clean. Safe to use. A high temperature when set on high and low temperature on low. Solid cast plate. Protection…

Breakthrough Fellowship Program aims to help researchers become founders

State government-backed venture fund Breakthrough Victoria has announced a new $7.5 million Breakthrough Fellowship Program, aimed at supporting researcher entrepreneur talent. According to a statement from the organisation on Friday, the program aims to cultivate “the next generation of startup founders from Victorian universities and medical research institutes” and is predicted to “establish up to…

AgTech gets a boost in Victoria

The Victorian government is providing a new wave of funding for agriculture tech startup companies. State Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, unveiled an additional $1 million in funding under the AgTech Grants program, which will provide up to $50,000 for eligible startups. The program is delivered in partnership with LaunchVic, the state’s startup agency, which…

CSIRO launches circular economy accelerator focused on India

Startups and small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India and Australia working on circular economy technologies could benefit from a new accelerator programme designed to explore opportunities between the two countries. The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator is delivered in partnership between CSIRO and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), the Government of…