March 2025

Federal Budget steady for STEM: Tech Academy awaits next steps

Investments in Australian innovation are a must to help the nation become a key global player in research and development. The Federal Budget picks a welcome winner in green metals, leveraging Australia’s abundant, cheap renewable energy to produce the metals of the future. The green metals industry is a leading example of a deep legacy of Australian innovation. The tax cuts, energy bill credits and even the beer excise freeze, provide some relief for the cost of living. These are not, however, the policies that will power long-term economic growth. Bold initiatives that will shape a resilient economy of the future – such as a commitment to re-thinking Australian R&D investment through the Strategic Examination of Research and Development; the Universities Accord; and the Diversity in STEM reviews – were ignored in tonight’s budget. ATSE continues to call for significant, bipartisan, sector-wide investments in science, technology and innovation to safeguard Australia’s economy into the future. ATSE CEO Kylie Walker said: “Investments in future Australian innovators and innovations are a must to help the nation become a key global player in research and development. Bold initiatives that will shape the resilient economy of the future need ample resourcing.” “The green metals announcements build on the Future Made in Australia agenda that has guided the past few years. Australia’s future economic resilience will be narrow if it is not built on investments in innovation and STEM skills as drivers of economic prosperity.” Ms Walker welcomed the announcement of investments in key science and technology infrastructure and workforce, providing crucial ongoing support for the national R&D agency CSIRO, and in the areas of nuclear medicine, biosecurity and the National Measurement Institute. “ATSE also welcomes the new investment in public schooling, including in science and engineering education,” she said. As Australia heads into […]

Two ransomware incidents highlight how attackers target security blind spots

By Barracuda Networks IT security teams are bombarded daily if not hourly with security alerts and events. They need to cut through the noise to piece together the puzzle of potential threats and anomalous or suspicious activity to decide whether they are looking at legitimate actions or intruders with malicious intent. What happens when one or more of the puzzle pieces are missing? Two different, real-life ransomware incidents targeting manufacturing companies and mitigated by Barracuda Managed XDR highlight what can happen to a company when their security cover is incomplete. Incident #1: A Play ransomware attack The security blind spots: compromised domain admin credentials, unprotected server not visible to security cover, the misuse of legitimate, commercially available IT tools At approximately 1:00 a.m. on a Tuesday night, attackers exploited the credentials for a domain admin account to breach an unprotected remote desktop server belonging to their target. The lack of security cover meant that the anomalous activity on the domain controller went unnoticed. The attackers then tried to establish persistence by installing a remote monitoring and management application on the unprotected server so that they could control their target from a distance. The attackers used commercially available tools to try to obtain a list of credentials and move laterally through the network. This activity brought them to the attention of security tools which promptly killed the malicious activity. The attackers then tried to disable and manipulate security measures and delete copies of files – a common precursor to the release of ransomware. This activity was also detected and blocked. At 3:20 a.m. the attackers tried to execute Play ransomware and encrypt several devices. By 3:23 a.m. this attempt was shut down when the targeted endpoints were isolated from the network. With full security cover the attack could have been neutralised […]

Internationally patented PHA bioplastics meet world-class sustainable packaging design

A powerful partnership between two award-winning industry leaders – EcoPHA, a biotechnology pioneer in PHA bioplastics, and Terra Sol, a design-driven leader in compostable packaging – is setting a new global standard for sustainable materials. By merging scientific breakthroughs with cutting-edge product design, EcoPHA and Terra Sol are delivering truly home-compostable, commercially viable alternatives to fossil-fuel plastics, helping businesses future-proof against environmental regulations and consumer demand for plastic-free solutions. A Scientific & Design Breakthrough: The First PHA from Pongamia Oil Through its globally patented process, EcoPHA has developed the ability to convert non-edible Pongamia oil, derived from the resilient Pongamia tree, into PHA bioplastics, a fully home-compostable, non-toxic alternative to traditional plastics. This game-changing innovation aligns with global sustainability targets, offering industries such as packaging, food service, mining and manufacturing a cost-effective, circular solution for reducing plastic waste. Meanwhile, Terra Sol’s expertise in designing and commercialising sustainable packaging ensures that PHA moves beyond the lab and into practical, scalable applications for businesses worldwide. “EcoPHA’s technology is world-first, but technology alone doesn’t drive change – people do. That’s why our partnership with them is so powerful,” said Louise Sykes, CEO of Terra Sol. “Together, we’re making it easier for businesses to adopt truly sustainable solutions without compromising performance or affordability.” A Game-Changer in Bioplastics & Sustainable Packaging By combining award-winning biotechnology and world-class product design, EcoPHA and Terra Sol deliver the first truly scalable compostable packaging solution that balances sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and real-world usability: -100% Home Compostable (AS 5810 Certified) – Unlike PLA and other industrial bioplastics, PHA breaks down naturally in compost, soil, and marine environments, leaving zero microplastics. -Cost-Effective & Scalable – Terra Sol has designed PHA-based cups, lids, straws, and cutlery for mass adoption, proving that businesses don’t have to choose between affordability and sustainability. -Carbon Credit Potential […]

First responder scanner in successful aeromedical testing

EMVision (ASX:EMV) has today shared that its First Responder Proof-of-Concept (PoC) device has taken to the skies in successful aeromedical environment testing. A series of volunteer scans with EMVision’s First Responder PoC device have been carried out in remote settings in collaboration with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and the Australian Stroke Alliance. RFDS staff received preliminary training in the operation of the device and the scans were successfully completed with the device demonstrating an ability to withstand the physical stress, environmental conditions and operational constraints unique to aeromedical retrieval. The First Responder device represents an opportunity to fundamentally transform stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcomes for all patients, regardless of their location, by delivering sophisticated neurodiagnostic technology directly to the point of care. “Time is brain” in both stroke and TBI care, meaning that the longer a stroke or bleeding goes untreated, the more brain cells die. Rapid triage, transfer and treatment decisions are critical to minimise brain damage, disability, and death. An ethics application has been submitted and is under review, under which RFDS staff will enrol and scan patients in a usability and workflow implementation study in the coming weeks. The study involves a collaboration of RFDS, South Australia Ambulance Service’s (SAAS) emergency retrieval service MedStar, South Australia Health’s Rural Support Services, the Royal Adelaide Hospital and the Australian Stroke Alliance. The study will evaluate the device’s usability, reliability, functionality, workflow metrics and other tests as necessary to meet user and international regulatory requirements. Zoe Schofield, National Stroke Project Manager for Aeromedical Retrieval, Royal Flying Doctor Service, commented “It’s incredibly exciting to see this project come to life with the first successful test of the scanner’s array in a remote setting, a major step toward bringing rapid stroke assessment to aeromedical retrieval and rural and remote […]

New pilot program to strengthen regional manufacturing

The NSW Government is continuing its commitment to rebuild the state’s manufacturing industry with the launch of an $800,000 pilot program aimed at boosting productivity, reducing costs and increasing competitiveness. The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program will provide small-to-medium-sized manufacturers across regional NSW with funding to undertake audits by professional consultants that will identify ways to re-organise their manufacturing operations. Lean manufacturing is an internationally recognised business management process that revolves around the principles of continuous improvement, waste elimination, and a customer-centric approach. It focuses on creating products more efficiently by eliminating unnecessary steps, saving time and using fewer materials in the production process. This approach helps businesses produce goods with fewer resources, without compromising on quality. More efficient processes mean production lines manufacture fewer products with defects, which in turn reduces operating costs related to providing returns and waste disposal. For example, a regional food manufacturer might reorganise production lines to improve efficiency, implement preventative maintenance to reduce equipment breakdowns and implement just-in-time inventory management to reduce excess stock and waste. The audits, undertaken as part of the program, will offer tailored recommendations to help businesses identify inefficiencies, streamline operations, reduce waste and increase productivity, while also highlighting training opportunities for staff. Several major companies have successfully implemented lean manufacturing to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity over the past decades including Toyota, Ford Motor Company, Boeing, General Electric and Nike. Many regional NSW companies such as the Bega Group in Bega, Donaldson Australia on the Central Coast, Belmore Engineering at Tamworth, Flavourtech in Griffith and Tyree Transformers at Braemar have also successfully used lean manufacturing principles. Manufacturing is a key driver of the NSW economy, contributing nearly 30 per cent of Australia’s total manufacturing output. In regional NSW, the sector generates $32 billion in sales and employs 84,000 […]

Allegro Secures U.S. Patent, Cementing Its Global Leadership in Next-Generation Energy Storage

Innovative micro-emulsion electrolyte technology positions Allegro as a frontrunner in the race for long-duration energy storage solution Allegro Energy has been granted a U.S. patent for its cutting-edge micro-emulsion electrolyte technology, further solidifying its position as a global leader in long-duration energy storage. This milestone follows previous patent successes in Europe and several other key markets, showcasing the international significance of Allegro’s breakthrough approach. Allegro’s modular micro-emulsion electrolyte system is a game-changer for the energy storage industry, enabling safer, more cost-effective, and scalable solutions for applications ranging from grid storage to renewable energy integration. By overcoming key limitations of traditional aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes, Allegro’s technology significantly expands the electrochemical stability window, enhancing energy density while maintaining the affordability and safety of water-based systems. “The U.S. patent reinforces Allegro’s ability to deliver a truly global and transformative solution for long-duration energy storage,” said Dr. Thomas Nann, CEO and Co-Founder Allegro Energy. “With energy storage playing a crucial role in the renewable transition, our micro-emulsion platform ensures scalability and adaptability across a range of battery chemistries, from redox flow to advanced ion batteries.” The key advantage of Allegro’s micro-emulsion technology is its ability to dissolve a wider range of electrochemically active species, while maintaining stability at high voltages – previously a major barrier to the adoption of aqueous electrolytes in advanced energy storage. The solution is applicable to multiple battery formats, including lithium-ion, sodium-ion, magnesium-ion, and aluminum-ion batteries, as well as supercapacitors and redox flow batteries. With this latest U.S. patent covering all of Allegro’s intended claims, Allegro Energy is well-positioned to partner with utilities, industrial operators, and battery manufacturers worldwide to drive the future of clean energy storage, and rapidly support the drive to 24/7 carbon-free energy.

Tech Council of Australia Announces Chair Transition

Canberra – The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has announced that Scott Farquhar, Co-Founder and Board Director of Atlassian, will succeed Robyn Denholm as Chair, marking a new chapter for Australia’s peak industry body for technology. Robyn Denholm, who has led the TCA since its inception in 2021, will step down as Chair after 3.5 years of significant growth and impact, remaining on the Board to continue supporting the organisation’s mission. Denholm reflected on her tenure, highlighting the achievements of the TCA and the growing influence of the Australian tech sector. “Leading the Tech Council of Australia as inaugural Chair has been a privilege. Over the past three and a half years, we have worked to establish the tech sector as a critical pillar of Australia’s economy, securing bipartisan support for key initiatives and shaping policies that enable Australian innovation to thrive,” Ms Denholm said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together— including our bipartisan jobs goal, critical changes to migration policy and my ongoing work on Australia’s R&D review. I look forward to continuing to support the TCA as a Board member.” Scott Farquhar, a founding member of the TCA and one of Australia’s most successful tech entrepreneurs, will step into the role of Chair at a time of increasing opportunity and responsibility for the sector. “The TCA was founded on the belief that technology is a fundamental driver of economic growth, job creation, and national competitiveness. I’m proud to take on the role of Chair and help continue the work we started in advocating for a thriving tech ecosystem.” “When we founded TCA, the Australian tech sector lacked a unified national voice to advocate for our sector. Today, thanks to the work we’ve done alongside our members, we have a unified voice on the national […]