Company News

iMOVE CRC launches $2m impact fund for Australian companies & universities

iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) is doubling down on its mission to deliver impactful transport innovation for Australia, with the launch of a $2 million second round of its highly successful Impact Extension Program (IEP). The fund is now also open to universities. The IEP2 initiative aims to identify and support Australia’s most promising new technologies, products and services in the transport and mobility space. Grants from $100,000 to $500,000 will be awarded to a portfolio of high-potential projects, all of which must be completed by September 2026. The new round follows the success of IEP1 in 2023, which attracted more than 75 applications and funded two standout innovations – microFleet’s OneDock and SAGE Automation’s See Me app – each awarded $500,000 to help bring their ideas to life. IEP2 builds on this momentum, offering greater flexibility and reach. While IEP1 awarded two $500,000 grants, IEP2 will take a portfolio approach – supporting 5-10 smaller or mid-sized projects, allowing more organisations including universities to participate. Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and can be from any sector – start-ups, corporates, local councils, universities, or not-for-profits with no requirement to be an existing iMOVE partner. Projects must align with iMOVE’s mission of advancing transport systems through collaborative, high-impact R&D. Importantly, applicants must justify their funding requests and demonstrate strong value for money. iMOVE reserves the right to negotiate a lesser amount if a proposal shows promise but requests too much funding. iMOVE CRC Managing Director Ian Christensen said: “The transport challenges Australia faces today require bold thinking and practical support. Through the Impact Extension Program, we’re giving organisations the tools to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world solutions that improve how we move, live, and connect.” He added: “We know there’s no shortage of talent or ideas in this country. […]

From gap year to great career: Manufacturing sector offers opportunities for school leavers

As school leavers weigh their next move, champions of Hunter industry are encouraging gap year students to consider a future in manufacturing – an industry at the heart of Australia’s energy transition, defence capability and economic growth. Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Jacqui Daley says the Hunter is manufacturing heartland and the industry continues to go from strength to strength making it a fantastic career option. “As the Australian Government rolls out its A Future Made in Australia strategy, manufacturing is experiencing a major resurgence. From renewable energy to advanced defence tech, the demand for skilled workers has never been higher. “Harnessing solar, wind and hydro power requires infrastructure – and that starts with parts manufactured right here in the Hunter,” Daley said. “Just last month we saw our HMA start-up of the year, Allegro Energy, be granted a US patent for its micro-emulsion electrolyte technology and this is just one of many inspiring local businesses succeeding on a global stage.” “What is clear is that innovation is just as likely to come from a component maker in Cardiff as it is from a capital city think tank.” With more than 250 apprentices and trainees currently placed across 50 organisations and three States – and 75% of those roles in manufacturing – one Hunter-based training group is offering young people a chance to kickstart their careers through hands-on training and real-world skills. Hunter Manufacturing Awards board member and Chief Operating Officer of Hunter Career Connections Nick Couper says students taking a gap year should explore the opportunities on offer in the local manufacturing sector. “For many school leavers, early acceptance into university has meant a real narrowing of focus to the different learning and career pathways that are available. We want to encourage young people to explore the other opportunities available […]

CIC and Jinko Solar to jointly develop a 10GW green hydrogen blueprint

Climate Impact Corporation (“CIC”) has a Memorandum of Understanding with Jinko Solar, a significant step in CIC’s development of an end-to-end renewable hydrogen supply chain. The two parties will engage in deep cooperation in areas such as PV module production and supply, equipment technology synergy, and more, to jointly promote the large-scale application of renewable energy-based hydrogen production. As one of the largest and leading solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers in the world, Jinko brings extensive expertise, enabling CIC to develop its renewable hydrogen modules at pace and scale. Solar power generation is a key component of CIC’s renewable hydrogen production modules, which are able to operate entirely off-grid, and consist of solar panels, atmospheric water generators, and electrolysers. CIC Co-Founder, James Ieong commented on the announcement, “To produce the volume of renewable hydrogen that matches the offtake demand that what we’ve secured for our two 10GW projects in Australia and is growing rapidly around the world, scale is critical. We need the capability to produce tens of thousands of renewable hydrogen modules, and to do this, we need partners with deep experience and scale. “We’re delighted that Jinko will play a significant role in our development of our end-to-end supply chain which enables us with a new approach to renewable hydrogen. This partnership with Jinko will be critical in furthering CIC’s pathway towards a competitive price of $2 per kilogram of renewable hydrogen.” Michael Wang, the General Manager for Oceania Region at Jinko Solar added: “We’ve been through an energy transition before with the rise of renewables such as solar power. We understand what requirements a successful energy transition need. We knew there was an opportunity to reduce the costs of solar electricity, and we’ve done this successfully, and at scale. We’re excited to partner with CIC on the […]

Coghlan revolutionises warehouse operations

Coghlan, a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, has revolutionised its warehouse operations by implementing Dematic’s ColbyRACK high-density storage and mezzanine solution. Designed and installed by Colby Storage Solutions distributor, Storage Ideas, the innovative setup has boosted storage capacity, optimised workflows, and cut operational costs, all without requiring a larger facility footprint. This transformation allows Coghlan to accommodate growing customer demands while maintaining cost efficiency in an increasingly expensive real-estate market. Future-proofing warehouse operations With a growing client base and rising inventory volumes, Coghlan sought a solution to maximise storage efficiency while controlling operational expenses. The company’s previous warehouse layout, a legacy configuration inherited from a prior occupant, had inefficiencies that limited storage capacity and increased handling times. To address these challenges, Coghlan partnered with Storage Ideas to design a high-density system featuring double-deep Dematic ColbyRACK storage and a raised storage mezzanine. The new warehouse configuration features strategically positioned double-deep ColbyRACK racking, reducing the number of aisles and enhancing inbound pallet handling. Bulk storage was placed near dock areas to minimise travel distances for put-away and retrieval. A two-level mezzanine accommodates Coghlan’s rapidly growing e-commerce business by providing dedicated storage for small, hand-picked SKUs. This structure, fitted with pick bays and premium 38mm Unilin flooring, improves operator efficiency by reducing travel distances and enhancing safety. “The new building’s shape, along with double-deep racking and a raised storage area, gives us a structurally superior layout,” says Rolf Kater, CEO at Coghlan. “The greater visibility allows us to spot issues before they escalate, and the shorter travel distances mean we get more work done every day. We have more capacity and better flow than ever before.” Overcoming challenges with local engineering expertise During installation, an unexpected change in fire regulations required modifications to the mezzanine’s sprinkler clearance. Dematic’s local engineering team rapidly redesigned […]

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 […]

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.

Whyalla can be upgraded to green steel and why we need to keep steel production in Australia

Daniel Rossetto, Adjunct, Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources, University of Adelaide Financial challenges at the Whyalla steelworks in South Australia have reignited debate about the nation’s steel industry and its future. Australians should have access to quality steel at competitive prices. The domestic steel production industry employs tens of thousands of people. The state and federal governments have stepped in, however, announcing a A$1.9 billion support package for Whyalla, together with a new $1 billion green iron investment fund. Half of the new fund will be allocated to Whyalla to support its transition to green steel production. That’s a large amount of money for a privately owned business. So, are the new packages going to be money well spent? To answer that question, let’s examine the priorities. A national priority Steel is an industry in which securing sovereign production capability is crucial. Sovereign capability means ensuring an industry can survive external shocks such as interruptions to shipping routes or disputes with other countries in the supply chain. Steel is a vital input for defence industries such as ship and submarine building. What could be said of a country’s autonomy – or its sovereign capability – if it relies on others for the steel needed for its defence? Whyalla is one of the two largest steelworks in Australia, the other being BlueScope’s Port Kembla plant. At least at first glance, the green iron investment fund seems to deal with the sovereign capability criterion well enough. Whyalla appears an ideal candidate. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, and SA Premier Peter Malinauskas visit Whyalla Steelworks in Whyalla last week. Isabella Ward/AAP However, the public subsidy is large. The subsidised plant’s ability to operate in an economically competitive manner needs to be examined. Further, while the Whyalla plant began its life as a supplier to an adjacent shipbuilding operation, […]

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