Business

Quantum computing can help secure the future of AI systems

-by Dr Muhammad Usman, lead senior author of the paper and team leader of Quantum Systems at CSIRO’s Data61. Artificial intelligence algorithms are quickly becoming a part of everyday life. Many systems that require strong security are either already underpinned by machine learning or soon will be. These systems include facial recognition, banking, military targeting applications, and robots and autonomous vehicles, to name a few. This raises an important question: how secure are these machine learning algorithms against malicious attacks? In an article published today in Nature Machine Intelligence, my colleagues at the University of Melbourne and I discuss a potential solution to the vulnerability of machine learning models. We propose that the integration of quantum computing in these models could yield new algorithms with strong resilience against adversarial attacks. The dangers of data manipulation attacks Machine learning algorithms can be remarkably accurate and efficient for many tasks. They are particularly useful for classifying and identifying image features. However, they’re also highly vulnerable to data manipulation attacks, which can pose serious security risks. Data manipulation attacks – which involve the very subtle manipulation of image data – can be launched in several ways. An attack may be launched by mixing corrupt data into a training dataset used to train an algorithm, leading it to learn things it shouldn’t. Manipulated data can also be injected during the testing phase (after training is complete), in cases where the AI system continues to train the underlying algorithms while in use. People can even carry out such attacks from the physical world. Someone could put a sticker on a stop sign to fool a self-driving car’s AI into identifying it as a speed-limit sign. Or, on the front lines, troops might wear uniforms that can fool AI-based drones into identifying them as landscape features. Either way, the consequences […]

Victorian Medtech Skills and Device Hub to accelerate growth in vibrant sector

An Australian-first medical technology hub, led by the University of Melbourne and backed by the Victorian Government, is set to accelerate Victoria’s medical technology development ecosystem, boosting the State’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, skilled job opportunities and access to cutting-edge medical care for Australians. The $10.77 million Victorian Medtech Skills and Device Hub will bring together businesses, universities and education providers to develop training courses, degrees and internships in medtech. It will deliver up to a dozen investment-ready startups and 1,000 industry-based training places and support local companies to develop and manufacture medtech products onshore and expand exports to the booming global market. The Hub was recently launched by Victorian Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll, alongside representatives from the University of Melbourne, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor James McCluskey and Hub Directors Professor Andrea O’Connor and Professor David Grayden from the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. “Victoria’s medtech sector is a significant player in a booming global market – this Australian-first hub will boost local production, attract investment to Victoria and train the innovative staff the sector needs for its strong future,” Minister Carroll said. The Hub is backed by the Victorian Government’s Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre and co-funded by the University of Melbourne. Over 20 local medtech companies including Neo-Bionica, Synchron, Seer Medical and Trajan, as well as RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology and national peak body MTPConnect will support the Hub, with more partners to join as it expands. University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell welcomed the Victorian Government’s support and the collaborators’ involvement. “The University of Melbourne is delighted to be partnering with the Victorian Government, the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, universities, industry and the medical technology sector to bring the Victorian Medtech Skills and Device Hub […]

Advanced manufacturing SMEs to benefit from free CSIRO R&D program

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is boosting Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability by providing free research and development (R&D) support to businesses to help them develop new products or services. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) working on new advanced manufacturing solutions can sign up to the free, 10-week online Innovate to Grow program, to support their idea by building their R&D knowledge. Upon completion of the program, eligible participants may have the opportunity to access facilitation support, through CSIRO, to connect to research expertise nationally, along with dollar-matched R&D funding. CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing, Dr Marcus Zipper, explained how CSIRO’s unique position in the research ecosystem drives innovation to advance Australian manufacturing. “Manufacturing is a vitally important sector, employing over 800,000 people across Australia,” Dr Zipper said. “At CSIRO, we work collaboratively with SMEs on research and development to find new and improved technologies and processes that enable great ideas to see success locally and internationally. “We translate research into products and processes that businesses want to adopt because what we’ve created is economically viable, more efficient and effective, and sustainable,” he said. Connop Metal owner Murray Connop, a participant in the 2022 Innovate to Grow manufacturing cohort has recently made headlines for developing a world-first method of analysing the chemical compositions of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)to make it recyclable – right here in Australia. Mr Connop said the program provided invaluable connections to industry experts. “Thanks to the Innovate to Grow program, I gained the vital contacts and support needed to determine the feasibility of my project,” Mr Connop said. “I wholeheartedly recommend this program to fellow start-ups and small businesses in advanced manufacturing. The invaluable connection to industry experts provided by this program has played a significant role in the success of my project.” Innovate to Grow: Advanced Manufacturing […]

The Interview: Erin Beel, Accessibility Manager, CI&T

Tell readers what it is that you do? I’m Design and Accessibility Manager at CI&T, a global digital consultancy. My role is to partner with organisations to create and improve the experience and accessibility in their products. I also manage a team of designers, and in addition to that, I’m working with both Australian and International colleagues to develop an accessibility capability within CI&T. Outside of my job, I’m participating in The Observership Program. It’s a program of training and practical experience in not-for-profit and government boards. I’m observing the ACMI Board, which is a dream come true for me as a lover of film and digital media. Why have you chosen this career path? The word ‘chosen’ is interesting, as it took a long time before choice factored into my career path. I’ve always been a creative person, a bit of a nerd and loved solving problems. I was lucky to have a PC as a kid, and was using the internet before the web existed. Web design was an emerging field when I graduated uni, and I fell into it via a casual job at Monash University. I did web design for a long time – 16 years. Too long! Choice only started to play a part in my career when I decided to re-skill in User Experience Design. I wanted to drop the coding aspect of my role and focus on Design. UX merges creativity, tech and problem solving – so it was a natural fit. I re-skilled and changed jobs, and became a UX designer at Melbourne Water. Over my time there, I noticed some systemic business problems, and I knew what the solutions should look like. UX wasn’t factored into IT solutions, and neither was Accessibility. I took it upon myself to tackle those challenges, […]

Women in Tech: Kim Clarke, MYOB

Tell readers what it is that you do? MYOB is a business management platform that brings together key workflows to fit a business’s needs. I lead the Enterprise team, which specifically focusses on solutions for mid-sized businesses throughout Australia and New Zealand. Why have you chosen this career path? I started in engineering, before moving into product engineering and product management. I love to see, and play a part in driving, the way society and business leverage technology to make tomorrow better than today. I also love working with curious, hungry people, and I’m fortunate to get all of that in my career. Most satisfying project undertaken? Over 20 years ago I worked with a very progressive CEO and CTO, who supported me to undertake a “side hustle” with two other engineers. That was career defining. The three of us built a few products together and got great traction with one of them in particular. Over the years I have learnt the ingredient for the “most satisfying”. And It’s not the most successful; it’s the ones where I learn the most, and usually established lifelong friendships. I got all of that from that first side hustle. What drives you? I like to stare down a challenge, then build and work through it with curious, ambitious, and high performing teams. And while they are stylistically different, they all have the same underlying desire to solve problems together. Have you travelled much for business? Yes. And the glamour has worn off! Several years ago I was based in Australia but managing teams in San Francisco, India and Singapore. In that role I spent over a third of my time away – and I had a one-year-old. In general I immerse myself in the present, and I loved the learning, the people and the […]

Women in Business: Michèle Stokes PhD GAICD, General Manager, PCI, Melbourne

Explain to readers what you do I am the General Manager for PCI, Melbourne. PCI is an integrated contract development and manufacturing organisation that offers a comprehensive range of pharmaceutical services, from early development to commercial launch, and beyond. In Australia, we specifically focus on early development and supporting clinical studies with capabilities to manufacture, pack, label and distribute to clinical study sites. We offer a range of services to manufacture drug products in various dosage formats, including sterile vials through our new automated fill-finish technology. Where are the growth areas for your company? The main growth areas for PCI in Australia will be expanding across the Asia-Pacific markets and further developing our sterile fill-finish capabilities to support clinical studies in the region. Australia is a very attractive market for pharmaceutical companies to conduct their clinical studies, and with our breadth of expertise and offerings, we are well positioned to support this growth. Contract Development – What does this mean for PCI? PCI supports organisations ranging from startups to mid- to large-scale pharmaceutical companies in placing treatments in clinical studies as quickly as possible. This could involve assisting with dosage format selection, initial clinical batch manufacture, scale-up batches, drug stability support and supplying clinical trial materials to sites to aid in all phases of clinical studies prior to commercialisation. We can support the whole process, or partner on certain areas where the sponsor pharmaceutical company needs additional assistance or expertise. How are you finding staff retention at present? The world has changed in the last two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, employees are evaluating their work-life balance in a different way. PCI has worked hard to find ways to increase staff retention through various initiatives, with consultation to add incentives to the working environment and flexible […]

Mars Petcare boosts regional capabilities and benefits local manufacturing

Leading pet food manufacturer Mars Petcare Australia has announced it will be investing AU$112.6 million to expand pet food manufacturing capabilities at its Wodonga factory. Proud to have been manufacturing at the site since 1967, this project builds on more than $55.8 million invested at the Victorian facility over the past five years and will enable the company to future-proof its local operations for years to come by creating over 60 new jobs through the onshoring of pet food production. The investment will support the development of a 7,800sqm manufacturing facility dedicated to the production of Single Serve Pouches, including two additional lines with a combined yearly capacity of 25kT – around 290 million pouches of cat food initially. The new facility will primarily serve the Australian and New Zealand markets and the growth of both existing and new product ranges across the company’s well-known WHISKAS®, ADVANCE®, OPTIMUM®, and DINE® brands. Craig Sargeant, General Manager – Mars Petcare Australia, said: “As a market leader, we are committed to bolstering our local operations by sourcing and making most of our portfolio right here in Australia. This significant investment will allow us to respond to pet trends including the continued rise in cat ownership – growing at nearly 4% per year – more than twice as fast as our dog population. We’re also seeing increased demand for convenience, with pouch products representing half of the Australian wet cat food market and growing at nearly 10% per year.” As a result of the project’s contribution to the local economy, Mars Petcare Australia’s investment has been supported with grant funding from the Victorian government’s Regional Development Victoria. Harriet Shing, Minister for Regional Development Victoria, said: “As pet ownership continues to increase there are enormous opportunities for businesses like Mars to expand. We’re continuing to […]

CSIRO invests $25 million to drive biotech innovation

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has invested $25 million up to 2027 in a new program that will harness the building blocks of life to solve intractable problems. Advanced Engineering Biology (AEB) is the latest of CSIRO’s Future Science Platforms (FSP) program, which are aimed at discovering future breakthroughs in new and emerging areas of science. Dr Robert Speight, Director of CSIRO’s AEB FSP, said the program will integrate engineering and biology to develop solutions for broad-ranging issues from the environment and energy transition to food security and human health. “We’re only just scratching the surface of engineering biology’s potential,” Dr Speight said. “The field is moving fast, and there’s still a lot left to discover about the biological building blocks of life – how they work, and how we could use them. “The applications of engineering biology are varied and range from improving plants to sequester carbon more effectively, to manufacturing sustainable alternatives to animal proteins, petroleum fuels, and harmful pesticides, and even engineering biosensors that can make on-the-spot medical diagnoses.” The program will focus on new biomanufacturing capabilities, as well as developing the very technologies that underpin engineering biology, to make it faster, more predictable, and higher performing. It will also conduct detailed research on the public’s expectations, attitudes, and perceptions to help guide the responsible development of biotechnology. The program builds on CSIRO’s research which helped to grow a community of engineering biology experts across Australia, through such projects as the production of animal-free dairy. The market for bio-based chemicals – such as biofuels, bioplastics, bio-based solvents, acids, lubricants, and alcohols – is expected to be worth roughly $240 billion by 2030. CSIRO Deputy Chief Scientist, Dr Jill Freyne said Australia has an opportunity to position itself as a world leader in the rapidly expanding biotechnology sector. “The […]

Manufacturing needs to embrace the tech revolution to hire the next best talent

-Zac Duff, JigSpace Australian manufacturers are scrambling to sure-up their most precious resource: their people. With historically low unemployment rates and a competitive labour market, 90% of CEOs across all industries expect to be affected by staff shortages in 2023[1], and manufacturing is a sector particularly impacted by people pressures. While other sectors such as technology, retail, professional services and engineering remain appealing to a younger demographic, manufacturing is sometimes seen as a less attractive proposition. That fear largely revolves around machine-heavy roles, out of date processes and “we’ve always done it this way” mentalities. Zac Duff, Jig Space But with Millennials now the largest generational workforce group in the country, the onus is on manufacturers to embrace change and build an innovation-led culture where digital natives see a clear pathway for development, opportunities and progression. A recent report from PWC said millennials are set to make up 75% of the workforce by 2025, and are a crucial lynchpin to a business’ future success[2]. Gen Y and Gen Z embrace the idea of applying technology as a solution to problems and being open to adaptation, and they’re put off by old school tools and approaches. Getting comfortable with discomfort The truth is, new technologies can be intimidating. When you’re operating large-scale facilities, rolling out changes company-wide can be daunting, and getting buy-in from senior decision makers isn’t always easy. But if we want to make our manufacturing facilities fit for purpose and futureproof, we need to get more comfortable with stepping into the unknown. Rather than thinking of technology implementation as a looming headache, look for solutions that are user-friendly, solve a smaller problem, and are easy to implement. Tools such as Zoom were unheard of just a few years ago, but now they’re widely embedded, with very little friction […]

Energy network must evolve to incorporate renewables more effectively

Australia faces an energy paradox as the country pursues its net zero targets. The Federal Government has enshrined into law an emissions reduction target of 43 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. This is a significant target, one that industry estimates will require 6 GW of new renewable energy and storage each year. However, the current network is struggling to handle renewable energy fed to the grid, especially from wind and solar farms. A recent study by Australian National University found that solar is the worst affected, with almost double the curtailments compared to wind energy, despite having a smaller installed capacity. This puts the country’s net zero targets under pressure as network congestion is causing large volumes of cheap renewable energy to be curtailed, meaning Australia has an “overgeneration” problem when it comes to renewables, particularly solar. This may lead to financial losses for clean energy generators and make investment in future projects a risky prospect. Regulators face a myriad of challenges in managing a centralised grid – challenges ranging from power outages, modernisation, cybersecurity, demand management and transmission losses. Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) estimates that around 10% of the electricity leaving an Australian power station never reaches consumers, which adds to the end consumers’ costs as this lost energy must still be paid for. Grid tariffs are also a concern as they may slow down the country’s path to net zero as renewable energy generators are saddled with legacy grid costs. Grid tariffs are currently based on amortising 25-year investments in national transmission cost. However, renewable energy sources can function cost effectively at the local level using microgrids, which are being implemented across Australia. Kalbarri in WA is now powered by a 100% renewable energy-intelligent microgrid with wind energy, solar […]

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