A new initiative aimed at increasing the presence of locally made medical technologies in healthcare services has been announced with the formation of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA). 

The Alliance, spearheaded by the BioMelbourne Network, builds on the foundation of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre and will pilot its efforts in Victoria.

The AMMA brings together several key industry partners, including AusBiotech, MTPConnect, AMTIL (Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited), and ICN Victoria (Industry Capability Network), with seed funding support from the Victorian Government.

Focus on advocacy and local procurement

The Alliance aims to address procurement barriers that currently limit the uptake of Australian-made medical technologies within the domestic healthcare system.

Karen Parr, CEO of BioMelbourne Network, highlighted the importance of the initiative in creating sustainable local opportunities.

“Australia is home to world-class medtech innovators and manufacturers. Increasing awareness of these companies and growing local content in health will support Australian health services to continue to deliver world-leading care and strengthen our country’s sovereign capabilities,” Parr said.

“The Victorian pilot aims to demonstrate the potential of this ambitious and important solutions-focused Alliance and serve as a stepping stone for advancing the national agenda.”

Call for industry support

The AMMA is inviting Victorian medtech companies currently manufacturing or developing products for local or international markets to join the Alliance.

Contract manufacturing firms are also encouraged to participate. While peak industry bodies involved in the initiative offer formal memberships, the AMMA has clarified that becoming an Alliance supporter is not contingent on membership.

The Alliance aims to work closely with these peak bodies to build on existing industry efforts, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow both locally and internationally.

New uplift program in development

The AMMA is also co-developing a capability uplift program to help medtech manufacturers identify and secure opportunities within the domestic health system.

The initiative aims to address this gap by creating clearer pathways into the health sector, mirroring practices in other international markets.

The AMMA said establishing strong domestic customers will serve as crucial proof points for Australian products and attract further investment in medical innovation.

The Alliance’s efforts aim to unlock opportunities within the healthcare sector to ensure Australian patients benefit from locally made technologies.

Companies interested in joining the Alliance or participating in the capability uplift program can express their interest directly through the AMMA.

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Altech Batteries has announced a milestone in its Silumina Anodes technology, achieving an average 55 per cent increase in lithium battery anode energy capacity, building on its previous 30 per cent improvement.

Utilising innovative proprietary technology, Altech has blended alumina-coated silicon particles (10 per cent) with battery-grade graphite to create a composite graphite/silicon anode, the company said in an ASX announcement.  

“We are thrilled with the significant progress we have made in overcoming the critical challenges associated with using silicon in lithium-ion battery anodes,” stated CEO and Managing Director Iggy Tan. 

In a series of tests, Altech’s lithium-ion battery anode material demonstrated an average energy retention capacity of approximately 500 mAh/g, surpassing the typical average of 320 mAh/g for standard lithium-ion battery anodes. 

Altech previously reported advancements in battery technology, highlighting the development of lithium-ion battery anode materials with a retention capacity approximately 30 per cent higher than standard materials. 

Following this progress, Altech’s research and development laboratory in Perth, Western Australia, has been working to enhance the technology even further.

Laboratory tests of the composite graphite/silicon batteries revealed that Altech effectively tackled previously unresolved issues associated with silicon in lithium-ion battery anodes.

Notable challenges included silicon particle swelling, first-cycle capacity loss of up to 50 per cent, and rapid battery degradation. 

Through the spherification of silicon particles, Altech found that the spherical structure allows for better distribution within graphite voids, minimizing damage to the electrode layer due to expansion.

Historically, the use of silicon in commercial lithium-ion batteries has been limited due to two critical drawbacks: the expansion of silicon particles during charging and the deactivation of a significant percentage of lithium ions, which diminishes battery performance and lifespan, the company noted. 

Altech has completed a Definitive Feasibility Study for constructing an 8,000 tpa Silumina Anodes plant in Saxony, Germany, projecting strong economic returns with a pre-tax NPV10 of €684 million and a low capital cost of €112 million.

“Our breakthrough technology represents a major step forward in unlocking the full potential of silicon in lithium-ion batteries, and we believe it has the potential to revolutionise the battery industry,” Tan stated.  

“We are currently commissioning a pilot plant to further scale up our technology and bring it to market,” he concluded.

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Solvol, a heavy-duty hand cleaning soap brand, has made its return to Australia with a new and improved formula.

The updated Solvol Heavy-Duty Hand Cleaner combines a cleaning agent with natural essential oils and fine pumice granules, allowing it to remove dirt, grease, oil, paint, ink, and solvents, as revealed in a news release.  

According to the company, the new formula aims to deliver a tough cleaning experience while keeping hands clean, soft, and moisturised.

Rosemary Murphy, Product Manager at Solvol, expressed enthusiasm for the product’s reintroduction. 

“For over a century, Solvol has been synonymous with quality and effectiveness for Australians who need a hand cleaner that can tackle even the grimiest jobs,” she stated. 

“Whether you’re a tradesperson, gardener, DIY enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys getting hands-on, Solvol is the trusted ally that ensures your hands are left clean.”

The Solvol Heavy-Duty Hand Cleaner is available in a 100g bar for a recommended retail price of $7.00. 

It can be found at various retailers across the country, including Bunnings Warehouse, Mitre 10, The Reject Shop, and Total Tools. 

The product is also free from GMOs, parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), phthalates, and microplastics, promoting an environmentally friendly option for consumers.

For more details about Solvol and its product offerings, visit www.solvol.com.au.

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Hazer Group has extended its non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Japanese trading giant Mitsui & Co, Ltd (Tokyo, Japan), pushing forward joint efforts to explore potential markets for Hazer’s low-emissions graphite. 

The agreement, which builds on the original MOU announced on 16 November 2022, will now continue for another year, with automatic renewals unless terminated by either party, as revealed in an ASX announcement. 

The partnership leverages Mitsui’s extensive global network to evaluate the applications of Hazer’s graphite in steel manufacturing, chemicals, and other sectors. 

Hazer has already conducted positive market analysis, identifying promising segments for its graphite, including iron and steel production, thermal energy storage, and water purification.

“We are excited to be extending our strategic partnership with Mitsui,” said Hazer’s CEO and Managing Director, Glenn Corrie. 

“Hazer’s technology is unique in that it produces both low-cost, clean hydrogen as well as a low-emissions graphite product.”

Initial investigations have pointed to a variety of applications for Hazer’s graphite:

• Steel Manufacturing: Hazer’s graphite demonstrates suitability for both traditional blast furnaces and emerging green-steel processes, owing to its structured composition and iron inclusion.
• Thermal Energy Storage: Its excellent thermal conductivity and stability make it an efficient medium for heat transfer.
• Water Purification: Hazer’s graphite has shown potential for enhanced PFAS removal, a growing environmental concern.
• Construction Materials: The graphite is also being evaluated for asphalt, bitumen, and concrete production.

According to Corrie, the collaboration with Mitsui helps Hazer access challenging markets and critical industries where decarbonisation solutions are in high demand. 

“In light of increased global awareness around the vulnerability of critical mineral supply chains, this is a clear value differentiator for Hazer’s technology in the methane pyrolysis space,” he added.

As part of the extended agreement, the two companies will move forward with further product evaluation and larger sample testing from Hazer’s Commercial Demonstration Plant (CDP). 

Both companies will also engage with potential buyers to establish volumes, pricing frameworks, and potential offtake agreements.

“Through this important partnership with Mitsui, we have jointly identified markets that offer a good fit for our graphite, and discussions are ongoing to establish volume, pricing ranges, and potential offtake opportunities,” Corrie explained.

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ClearVue Technologies announced it has raised approximately $7.5 million through an institutional placement to advance its commercialisation efforts in the U.S. and support global operations.

The placement will see the issuance of 23.4 million fully paid ordinary shares at A$0.32 per share, representing a 21 per cent discount to the company’s last closing price on 14 October 2024, and a 24 per cent discount to its 15-day volume-weighted average price.

“A primary objective for the board and management has been to introduce the company to the institutional investment market,” said ClearVue CEO Martin Deil. 

“The current capital raise has successfully expanded our registry to include a diverse mix of new institutional and professional investors, who constituted the majority of the placement, with a smaller portion coming from sophisticated investors.”

Deil noted that many of the new institutional investors are based in Hong Kong, a key market for ClearVue in Asia. 

“The Hong Kong market is a key focus for the company, as evidenced by our engagement with the Hong Kong government through the EMSD solar glass study announced in March 2023,” he said. 

“The study is continuing but importantly has led to several commercial discussions that we anticipate will convert to sales in the future.”

The funds will be allocated towards expanding the company’s operations in the United States, including infrastructure and staffing to support its growing sales pipeline.

Additionally, ClearVue said it aims to invest in systems and inventory to strengthen global sales capabilities.

“A secondary objective through this raise has been to ensure the company is funded for the next steps in its commercialisation journey,” Deil added. “Funds raised will support execution of our growing sales pipeline through additional staff and infrastructure in the US.”

ClearVue also said it plans to use a portion of the capital to develop software systems, including an ERP system for global product delivery, quality assurance, and data collection from completed projects. 

These systems will enable the company to track energy and carbon performance, positioning it to benefit from future carbon credit regimes.

The placement builds on ClearVue’s earlier capital raise, which supported the development and testing of its Gen-2 products and led to several early projects, including collaborations with CFMEU in Melbourne and Prefabulous in New South Wales.

Bell Potter Securities Limited acted as the lead manager for the placement. Settlement of the new shares is scheduled for October 22, with the shares expected to be allotted on 23 October..

The issue will utilise the company’s existing ASX Listing Rule 7.1 placement capacity, accounting for approximately 9.7 per cent of ClearVue’s current shares on issue. 

The newly issued shares will rank equally with the company’s existing fully paid ordinary shares.

“We are also pleased to have completed the raise despite real or perceived market uncertainties, including those surrounding the upcoming U.S. election in November,” Deil concluded.

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Autodesk announced the launch of new AI-powered capabilities within its Fusion and Alias software, designed to streamline manufacturing workflows and boost efficiency. 

The new tools, unveiled during Autodesk University’s annual Design & Make conference, aims to simplify complex tasks and empower manufacturers to deliver innovative products faster.

“For decades, manufacturers have responded to their customers’ demands for increasingly complex products, which in turn typically increases the complexity of designing and manufacturing those products,” said Jeff Kinder, executive vice president for Product Development and Manufacturing Solutions at Autodesk.

The new capabilities include AutoConstrain in Fusion, which automates the process of detecting and maintaining design relationships, saving designers significant time.

Another feature, Drawing Automation, generates 2D manufacturing drawings from 3D models at the click of a button, accelerating production timelines.

“Automations that handle error-prone, burdensome tasks, freeing people to focus on high-value, more rewarding work,” added Kinder.

Autodesk also introduced Form Explorer for Alias, a generative design tool enabling automotive designers to explore creative forms while adhering to historical styling cues.

In addition, the Autodesk Assistant in Fusion offers real-time, expert-level guidance, providing answers to technical questions and links to relevant sources within the software.

Kinder noted, “Imagine an AI assistant that flags supply chain risks. Simulations that push designers toward more sustainable and manufacturable designs.”

“We’re building these capabilities, as well as empowering our customers to build them.”

New manufacturing Data Model API launched

Autodesk has also launched a Manufacturing Data Model API to enhance data exchange and interoperability.

This new API allows third-party apps to integrate with Fusion projects, ensuring smooth collaboration between tools and workflows.

OpenBOM has developed a web-based solution that automates bill of materials (BOM) workflows, giving non-designers easy access to BOMs directly from design data and eliminating the need for manual, error-prone processes.

Meanwhile, Cideon has established a two-way integration between Autodesk Fusion and SAP, allowing CAD engineers and manufacturers to access SAP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) data within Fusion.

Expanding the ecosystem for seamless collaboration

Recognising the need for connected tools, Autodesk said it continues to partner with over 150 hardware and software providers. Recent integrations include:

• Paperless Parts: Allows manufacturing estimators to generate instant quotes and address manufacturability issues within Fusion.
• Avnet Plugin: Enables electronics designers to source components and access reference designs directly in Fusion, reducing product development time.
• Makersite for Inventor: Offers sustainability insights by calculating environmental impacts, tracking progress toward eco-friendly goals, and suggesting material alternatives.
• NAVASTO for Alias Automotive: Brings wind tunnel simulations into the early design phase, helping automotive designers optimize aerodynamics and reduce redesign efforts.

“As an industry, we have an unprecedented opportunity to seize the value that AI, data, and digitisation offer. To do so, we must start by accessing and interconnecting the data to uncover the insights it offers,” Kinder stated.

“That’s why we’re so invested in continuing to build the Autodesk Fusion industry cloud. It’s the design and make platform for manufacturing. It’s a central environment for data, closely coupled with Autodesk AI to augment creativity, automate your workflow’s tedious tasks, and analyse project data to yield predictive insights that benefit business,” concluded Kinder.

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Parkes residents now have a new destination to recycle their eligible bottles and cans with the opening of a Return and Earn machine at the Parkes Services Club.

This latest addition marks the third return point in the Parkes Shire Council area, giving locals increased opportunities to participate in the recycling scheme and earn a 10-cent refund per container, as revealed in a news release. 

“Parkes Share Council residents are already enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over39.4 million eligible bottles, cans and cartons through local return points since the scheme began,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the operator of the Return and Earn network.

The new machine offers several refund options. Users can print a voucher to redeem for cash at Coles or opt for digital payments directly to their bank or PayPal account through the Return and Earn app. 

Additionally, residents can donate their refunds to various charitable partners listed in the app.

One of the key donation options currently available is a state-wide appeal supporting Little Wings, a charity that provides free air and ground transport for seriously ill children from regional and remote areas of NSW, helping them access critical medical treatment.

Since the scheme’s inception, more than 12 billion containers have been recycled through the network of over 630 return points across NSW, putting over $1.2 billion back into the community through refunds.

Return and Earn serves as a fundraising platform for numerous charities and community groups across NSW, generating over $62 million through donations and hosting fees since its launch.

Dorney emphasised the importance of the new Parkes machine in encouraging locals to make recycling part of their daily habits. 

“Together, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future, where the materials from our bottles, cans, and cartons are kept in use and out of landfill,” Dorney said.

The new machine is located in the Parkes Services Club car park at 20 Caledonia Street and operates from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.

For more details, visit: www.returnandearn.org.au.

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Adopting artificial intelligence (AI) has become more accessible for thousands of Australian businesses with the official opening of the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre. 

The launch took place during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Sydney, marking a key event in the Australian Government’s AI Month celebrations.

The ARM Hub, founded by Professor Cori Stewart, aims to provide a “front door” to expertise, support, and services that will foster AI-driven growth for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 

“Many businesses feel uncertain about where to start with AI,” Professor Stewart explained. 

“The common barriers include a lack of data readiness, a skills gap, or simply not knowing which AI applications are relevant to their business. The Centre offers access to practical solutions to help businesses move forward with AI.”

Professor Stewart anticipates that the Centre will engage with up to 30,000 SMEs over the next three years on their digital transformation journeys. 

She emphasised the importance of the Centre in helping Australia’s SMEs—comprising 96 per cent of all industry—scale their innovation and retain it within the country.

The professor said SMEs using the Centre will be tapping into expertise from internationals Microsoft and Databricks, as well as local AI SMEs Data and Knowledge Enterprise and Raytracer.

“Australian industry is ready to invest in AI and robotics to boost productivity and competitiveness. We’ve designed this Centre to provide practical pathways to de-risk the adoption and use of AI and Generative AI, enabling businesses to leverage this fast-moving technology.”

Research indicates that AI and automation are expected to enhance Australia’s productivity by up to 15 per cent. 

“The ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre is here to make businesses better using the benefits of AI and Generative AI. Our collaboration of 28 partners includes AI and robotics experts across Australia, which ensures we are delivering the best skillsets into all corners of the country,” Professor Stewart explained. 

Key features of the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre include practical guidance for SMEs, a collaborative industry-led network, and a focus on ethical and safe AI practices to promote sustainable business growth. 

In May this year, the Australian Government announced the establishment of four centres under its AI Adopt Program, designed to facilitate the safe and responsible use of AI by SMEs.

The ARM Hub AI Adopt partners are here.

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Local startup Paladin Space is poised to advance its efforts in mitigating the dangers of space debris to spacecraft, following the receipt of a $100,000 grant from the South Australian Government.

The startup aims to address the estimated 9,000 metric tons of debris currently orbiting Earth, including defunct satellites, rocket parts, and smaller fragments that travel at speeds of up to 27,000 kilometres per hour.

Harrison Box, the founder of Paladin Space, emphasised the urgency of tackling this issue. “With an estimated 9,000 metric tons of space debris currently scattered in orbit, and moving at extremely high speeds, a piece as small as a pen lid could easily damage any satellite in its way and put astronauts at risk,” Box explained. 

His company is developing a reusable space debris remover designed to benefit commercial satellite owners, the defence industry, and government space agencies.

To support its mission, Paladin Space is collaborating with the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) to develop new image-processing techniques powered by artificial intelligence. 

The Seed-Start grant will aid in refining the company’s novel capture design technology and is expected to help finalise a prototype for demonstration by mid-2025.

This advancement will accelerate Paladin Space’s pathway to market and attract further investment funding.

“The South Australian Government is proud to support innovations like Paladin Space’s reusable space debris remover through Seed-Start grants provided through the Research and Innovation Fund,” said Susan Close, the Minister for Innovation and Skills.

“As home to the nation-leading Australian Institute for Machine Learning, South Australia is leading the way in AI technologies. It’s no surprise that this innovation has captured the attention of local and international investors and space organizations.”

In addition to its grant funding, Paladin Space will join eight other South Australian startups as part of an Australian delegation to the United States from October 27 to November 2. 

Sponsored by the South Australian Government and hosted by Tribe Global Ventures, the delegation aims to pursue business development opportunities, including meetings with SpaceX and NASA to pitch its debris removal technology.

Stephen Mullighan, the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, emphasized the importance of supporting the growing space sector in South Australia. 

“The South Australian Government has a clear vision to create a thriving and enduring space sector, and we are investing in programs and initiatives that will continue to build our state’s—and our nation’s—innovative and world-class space capabilities,” Mullighan stated. 

“This $100,000 grant will provide a boost for Paladin Space and the South Australian space sector and underscores the state’s position as a leading incubator for space technology.”

According to the government, Paladin Space’s initiative not only addresses a critical issue facing the aerospace industry but also positions South Australia at the forefront of emerging technologies. 

As Box noted, “Our Seed-Start grant will help us explore new image processing techniques with support from the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, refine our novel capture design technology, and demonstrate our debris removal capability on a global stage.”

The Seed-Start program, part of the South Australian Government’s Research and Innovation Fund, provides grant funding for high-growth potential businesses, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. 

For more information and guidelines, interested parties can visit the Department of State Development’s website.

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Graphene Manufacturing Group has earned a spot on the Australian Financial Review’s (AFR) 2024 BOSS Most Innovative Companies list in the Manufacturing & Consumer Goods category.

The AFR BOSS list, now in its 13th year, recognises businesses across Australia and New Zealand that are breaking new ground with innovative ideas and solutions.

GMG was honoured for its pioneering work in graphene production and product development, with applications spanning energy storage, electronics, and more. 

According to GMG, the company’s focus on sustainable solutions has propelled it to the forefront of advanced materials innovation.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects the hard work and dedication of our team,” said Craig Nicol, CEO of GMG. 

“This award validates our mission to harness the unique properties of graphene to develop innovative products that can positively impact the world.”

Jack Perkowski, GMG’s chairman and director, also commended the achievement:  “Great to see the company’s innovative world leading work getting acknowledged in this way – congratulations to the team.”

As a leader in the rapidly growing graphene sector, GMG said it continues to develop cutting-edge solutions, positioning itself to meet evolving industry demands while advancing sustainable innovation.

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