Business

Hycel research partnership to deliver fuel cells to the aviation industry

Deakin University’s Hycel and AMSL Aero are pleased to announce a research partnership that will help to deliver higher-performing hydrogen fuel cells for aviation applications. This industry-research partnership exemplifies Deakin’s pivotal role in supporting industry innovations that deliver a more sustainable world. Hycel Director Professor Tiffany Walsh said: ‘Hycel’s role is to support industry to develop, test, scale and adopt hydrogen technologies to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. We do this by providing specialist hydrogen infrastructure, equipment, expertise and research insights that are currently unavailable to Australian industry.’ Hycel Technology Hub, at Deakin’s Warrnambool campus in southwest Victoria, is equipped with high pressure, high flow hydrogen labs, the only hydrogen fuel cell testing equipment of its kind in Australia, and has provision for industry co-location. AMSL Aero is the first industry partner to access commercial testing of fuel cells at Hycel, following the facility’s official opening in October 2024. AMSL Aero’s Senior Project Engineer Simon Coburn said: ‘AMSL Aero’s partnership with Hycel will help to verify fuel cell performance and durability for remote and regional flight applications, which is a key step in the development of Vertiia, Australia’s first passenger-capable, emission-free, long-range hydrogen-powered vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. “Our partnership leverages hydrogen expertise from AMSL’s international fuel cell partner, and combined with AMSL and Hycel personnel, develops cross sector hydrogen expertise for Australia.’ AMSL Aero is a home-grown Australian aerospace company with a clear mission to manufacture an aircraft that will save lives as an air ambulance and emergency response vehicle and quietly revolutionise passenger and cargo transit in remote and regional areas. Vertiia is powered by hydrogen and provides fast, emissions-free air transport. It takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter and uses less energy per seat than a high-speed train. Hycel is Deakin University’s hydrogen hub with […]

Laugh, cry, or get angry when a time warp “Standard” offers no protection to customers?

Someone call Doc Brown (or perhaps David Webb, pictured) because referencing IEC 439, a Standard that dates back to 1990, is trying to take us back to the future. By David Webb* The film Back to the Future showed how choices today (in 1985) can have a large and long-lasting impact tomorrow. The message of the film – featuring the shiny, superficially tempting, but commercially tragic DeLorean car – brought to my mind some of the claims by non-NESMA manufacturers throughout Australia who parade products built to outdated standards as if the time-warp standards had some value and offer safety and compliance protection for customers. The fact is modern manufacturing techniques have progressed to the point where reference to very old standards – literally last century stuff – is totally irrelevant. They do the opposite to measuring up to the protections offered by the Standard we are obliged by statute to follow, AS/NZS 61439 AS/NZS 3439 Rather than protections, they are a ticking time bomb liabilities that can come back to bite customers, when and if anything goes wrong – when their switchboards are inspected for safety and Standards compliance, for example, leading on to insurance and workplace responsibilities. It will happen. The message of Back to the Future, featuring the superficially tempting but commercially tragic DeLorean (pictured), reminded David Webb of some of the claims by non-NESMA manufacturers in Australia who parade products built to outdated Standards Let’s look hypothetically at the range of specifications that come across our desk that do not even reference our industry’s obligatory statutory Standard, AS/NZS 61439 or AS/NZS 3439 – and the compliance protections it offers. I say hypothetically, because we are not singling out just one consultant writing a specification here, but rather spanning the broader spectrum of specifications that leave compliant […]

Karratha Gas Plant, North West Shelf Project

North West Shelf extension delay another regulatory fail

The Federal Government’s decision to delay its assessment of the North West Shelf extension is a blow to Western Australia’s energy security and another example of how our national environmental laws are failing. Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the North West Shelf project has been powering WA homes and industry for 40 years and will play a critical role in the state’s future energy security and economic prosperity. “After six years of environmental assessment and having secured state government approval, there is simply no justification for further regulatory delays,” Ms McCulloch said. “This is yet another example of the open-ended and uncertain approval processes that are driving away investment and damaging Australia’s reputation as a stable, predictable country to do business. “The extension of the North West Shelf project is needed to ensure reliable and affordable gas supply to Western Australians, with the Australian Energy Market Operator forecasting gas shortfalls in the State from 2030.” WA’s gas industry is a driving force behind the state’s economy, providing 54 per cent of WA’s primary energy and 60 per cent of the state’s electricity. The industry contributes $35 billion a year to the WA economy and supports more than 73,000 jobs in the state. Natural gas also provides more than half the energy used by WA’s mining and minerals processing sector and supports emissions reductions in WA and the region. A recent independent report by EnergyQuest found that without new gas investment, Western Australia would run out of gas for electricity from the early-2030s and its mining and industrial sectors would be left without gas from mid-2030s. “The Federal Government must provide certainty to the millions of WA households and businesses that depend on gas and rule out any further delays to this critical energy security project,” Ms McCulloch […]

The Global Impact of U.S. Trade Tariffs: Aluminium and Steel

Daniel Kohut, Vice President, Industry Strategy, Blue Yonder As of February 11th, the Trump administration announced worldwide tariffs of 25 percent on aluminium and steel imports, which form a major part of Australia’s economy. The Trump administration’s proposed increase in tariffs on imports in other areas—ranging from 60% to 100% for China, for example—is sending shockwaves through industries worldwide, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. With China serving as a global manufacturing hub, companies are grappling with rising costs, supply chain reconfigurations, and market volatility. Industry leaders from manufacturing, automotive, industrials, high tech, and life sciences share their perspectives on the implications of these tariffs and the strategies companies must adopt to mitigate risks. Blue Yonder’s industry leaders across manufacturing, automotive, industrials, high tech, and life sciences share their perspectives on the implications of these tariffs and the strategies companies must adopt to mitigate risks. In most cases the economic impacts are likely to be severe, and advanced technologies and business operational changes such as risk and scenario modelling and inventory planning will become critical to ensure business continuity. APAC manufacturing: Navigating Supply Chain Shifts Manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific region, many deeply integrated with China, will experience cost increases as tariffs take effect. To offset these challenges, businesses may relocate production to Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia. However, shifting supply chains can strain existing infrastructure and labour markets, while also increasing logistical costs. Companies will require enhanced visibility into sourcing, inventory, and compliance, with cloud-based supply chain platforms and advanced risk modelling emerging as critical tools for managing disruptions. Automotive: Balancing Cost Pressures and Supply Chain Adaptability The global automotive industry faces rising production costs due to increased tariffs on imported components. Automakers may respond by reshoring production closer to domestic markets, boosting local manufacturing jobs but also raising labour costs. In […]

Smart manufacturing starts with Plex

Rockwell Automation will be showcasing its Plex cloud-based manufacturing platform at this year’s Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) in Melbourne from May 6-9. Demonstrations will be held at stand MS210 (Manufacturing Solutions Zone). Plex Manufacturing Execution System (MES), integrated with Rockwell’s suite, offers comprehensive manufacturing software, providing real-time production management, enhancing compliance, quality, and efficiency. “Plex is a cloud-based platform, that enables future-focussed manufacturers to achieve real-time integration, high levels of availability and flexibility, cybersecurity, and scalability,” says Anthony Wong, vice president, enterprise software sales, Asia Pacific, Rockwell Automation Plex has been used by Australian and New Zealand companies to enhance operational efficiency, with examples including: STM Brands, a manufacturer of high-quality, award-winning accessories for tablets, laptops, and phones with a worldwide retail presence and offices in Sydney, San Diego, London, and Kuala Lumpur. As air freight costs began to rise, STM Brands realised its supply chain and spreadsheet-based planning was not accurately keeping up with demand volatility, and this was eating into the company’s margins. After implementing Plex, STM Brands increased gross profit margin by 5%, improved operating margin by 20%, reduced costly air freight by 50%, and decreased overall freight to sales ratio by 25% year-over-year. Importantly, Plex’s Supply Chain Planning (SCP) integrated into STM’s existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, allowing for seamless data transfer. Tasti Products Limited, New Zealand, a snack bar and wholefood ball manufacturer. Recognising their legacy ERP system could no longer support an expanding business, Tasti Products searched for a smart manufacturing solution that would allow the company to scale in size and improve the speed in which business analytics could be performed. Tasti sought a manufacturing solution that was cloud-based and could help drive its end-to-end digital transformation. With the ability to offer world-class food safety and its established presence in the food […]

NT gas industry welcomes crackdown on activist lawfare

The NT gas industry says the Territory Government’s moves to clamp down on lawfare will boost investment and energy security. Australian Energy Producers NT Director David Slama welcomed the Petroleum, Planning and Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, set to be introduced in Parliament this week, as an important step in stopping activist groups from vexatiously using the legal system to delay critical gas projects in the Territory. “We commend the Territory Government for moving decisively to stamp out activist lawfare putting at risk economic and energy security for Territorians,” Mr Slama said. “At a time when Australians are facing cost-of-living pressures, the Territory Government has recognised the need to remove barriers to new gas supply so Territorians continue to have reliable and affordable energy. “It is not in the public interest for activist lawyers to damage the Territory’s attractiveness as a place to do business and to invest, undermining our economic and energy security.” Mr Slama said activists exploiting the Merits Review process had deterred much-needed investment in the Territory. “A long list of vexatious cases has exposed the extreme tactics of activists who are more interested in delaying projects than genuinely representing the interests of Territory communities,” he said. “Removing the Merits Review process is a significant step towards streamlining approval processes to enable new gas supply to be brought online sooner. “We need to expedite project delivery and improve environmental outcomes.”

Master Lock launches key storage products

Master Lock has launched four new key storage products, highlighting their innovation in access sharing. Master Lock’s three new next-generation key storage units include permanent wall-mount, and both portable shackle and cable versions. With a sleek, modern ergonomic design that makes them easier to use, the new key safes also offer increased security through a solid metal body construction, as well as greater resilience against the elements with a durable weather resistant cover. All three units boast increased storage capacity to secure more than ten standard house keys, as well as larger modern RFID car keys and fobs, access cards and extra-large home, office and storage keys. Offering elevated convenience and security, the new Master Lock 5481EURD Wall Mounted Key Lock Box (RRP $59.95) provides permanently installed unrivalled storage capacity and usability. Whether it’s for an office, or a construction site, the lock box is designed to grant access to trusted individuals seamlessly and reliably. The Master Lock Portable 5480EURDAU Shackle (RRP $65.95) and 5482EURDAU Cable Key Safes (RRP $69.95) offer even more application and functionality. Each product’s respective shackle and cable is removable, allowing for easy placement in a wide range of locations. Ideal for using at work, on equipment, vehicles, fences or gates, these products provide unmatched installation flexibility and adaptability. For those with late night or early morning starts, the new Master Lock 5424DAU Portable Combination Light-up Key Safe (RRP $61.95) is a must-have. Perfect for securing keys, it features a light up combination panel, making it easy to use in low-light situations. The new Master Lock key storage products are available at Bunnings Warehouse (5480EURDAU, 5481EURDAU and 5482EURDAU) Mitre 10 and Home Timber and Hardware stock all four products.

$17m Laverton North liquid and hazardous waste management upgrade: World’s best

A $17 million dollar revamp of Evoro’s Laverton North liquid and hazardous waste management facility will transform the operation into one of the world’s best. Upgrade works are underway at the Melbourne site and scheduled for completion by late 2025, following a comprehensive planning and approvals process spanning five years. The improvements will enable Evoro to operate with better versatility across a spectrum of liquid and hazardous waste management services, including: Neutralising acids and alkaline materials for safe disposal or discharge as stormwater. An example is acids used in galvanising processes to manufacture corrosion resistant products; Processing wastewater for safe discharge as stormwater. An example is wastewater resulting from industrial plant wash-downs; Separating and purifying water from oil. An example is workshop ‘oily water’ (water mixed with oils and other lubricants). Recovered oil can be reused as an industrial fuel source; Purifying waste glycol (antifreeze) for reuse; Processing hard-to-treat liquids such as Hydrogen Fluoride and waters containing PFAS for safe disposal or reuse. The result will be improved efficiency, more flexibility for clients and better environmental outcomes. New weighbridges and enhanced truck unloading processes to improve customer experience will be central to the upgrades. Evoro Chief Executive Officer Susan McBurney said the investment would incorporate leading global technology and practice. “This is a sweeping site overhaul enabling us to modernise operations to world-class standard,” McBurney said. “Our clients from multiple industrial sectors will reap the benefits of better efficiency, cost effectiveness and service. “Much of what we’re doing is a response to client feedback, and in line with strict regulatory requirements.” Evoro Victorian General Manager Jenny Barnes emphasised the environmental benefits. “Our forte at Laverton North is handling difficult-to-treat industrial waste, giving it a second life through recycling or preparing it for safe disposal,” Barnes said. “It’s a […]

Breakthrough Victoria launches groundbreaking fellowship program to boost research entrepreneurship

Breakthrough Victoria is excited to announce the launch of the Breakthrough Fellowship Program, a pioneering initiative designed to ignite research entrepreneurship talent across Victoria. The Breakthrough Fellowship Program is a $7.5 million, multi-year initiative aimed at fostering research entrepreneurship in Victoria. It is projected to establish up to 50 new startup companies and create at least 50 jobs, thereby nurturing entrepreneurial talent and enhancing future investment pipelines. The program addresses critical market gaps and aims to cultivate the next generation of startup founders from Victorian universities and medical research institutes. Data from the U.S. National Science Board highlights the pivotal role of STEM founders in attracting investment and creating high-paying jobs. Despite this, internal analysis by University College London (UCL) revealed that the optimal time for starting companies is during the PhD level, particularly when multiple PhDs collaborate on varied research topics to uncover commercial possibilities. In Victoria, however, there is a notable lack of awareness about entrepreneurship and startup careers among students. A post program review of the University of Melbourne’s PhD Innovators program led by the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre’s Professor Colin McLeod found that 89 per cent of participants were interested in becoming venture founders yet faced a scarcity of investment opportunities. The Breakthrough Fellowship program is designed to bridge this gap. This unique fellowship program is the first in Australia to offer a tangible salary and research commercialisation funding, alongside mentoring and skills development. Under the Breakthrough Fellowship Program, Breakthrough Victoria will invest up to $150,000 per startup. Each startup must focus on commercialising research conducted by the founders or associated university professors. Fellows will have to draw a salary between $60,000 and $90,000 from the invested capital, ensuring financial stability during their entrepreneurial journey. The remaining funds will support additional hiring or product development. Applicants must […]

Convergence Medical secure $5 million from global investors for world-first surgical robot

Brisbane MedTech company Convergence Medical has secured AU$5 million from global investors, closing out its successful Series A funding round. US investor Avicella Capital has backed the company’s world-first arthroscopic surgical robot – named VO1 – which will support plans to commercialise the robot, expand into the US and disrupt the $6.1 billion global arthroscopic industry. The funding milestone elevates the company to a valuation of over AU$30 million, setting the stage for significant expansion and innovation in the global healthcare sector. It also delivers a significant return on investment to angel, pre-seed and seed investors who have backed the company since its inception three years ago. Arthroscopic surgery is used to treat over 50 million injured wrists, elbows, shoulders, spines, hips, knees and ankles each year globally. The V01 robot is designed to reduce the physical and cognitive burden on surgeons while enhancing operative precision and dexterity and is set to transform arthroscopic operations. The funding follows the VO1’s acceptance into the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Breakthrough Devices Program in December 2023, expediting its path to market. Less than 3% of devices submitted to the FDA are accepted into this program. Convergence Medical founder and CEO Chris Jeffery, a medical doctor with an extensive history of orthopaedic innovation, and seasoned entrepreneur behind other notable MedTech ventures including Field Orthopaedics and Audeara, said the investment would help accelerate growth. “We’re thrilled to achieve this important milestone in our journey to commercialisation and excited to be working with Avicella Capital, who are seasoned investors with a great track record in the global MedTech industry,” said Dr Jeffery. “This funding enables us to accelerate our growth and bring our transformative technology to hospitals and surgeons around the globe. “Our mission is to create more efficient, effective solutions that support medical professionals […]

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