World-first Sydney test aims to drive uptake of geopolymer in roads
A project in Sydney’s Alexandria will test the performance of geopolymer concrete on a stretch of road containing recycled material from coal-fired electricity and steel production.
Federal government announces $2 m funding to support prefab lab
Industry minister Karen Andrews announced that the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre will “receive up to $2 million” to carry out a feasibility study on growing the prefabricated building industry and, based on findings, establish a collaborative innovation lab.
Cochlear announces launch of new cochlear implant
Medical device manufacturer Cochlear (ASX: COH) has announced the launch of its latest Nucleus Profile Plus Series cochlear implant, and its approval for sale in the United States by the FDA. In a series of ASX announcements today the Sydney company announced commercial availability for the implant in Germany with other European countries to follow.…
Profiles of success: Innovation more than skin deep for fast-growing pharma company
Vital to Ego Pharmaceuticals’ enduring success is remaining in the family’s hands, believes Dr Jane Oppenheim. Oppenheim is the company’s scientific and operations director and was the winner of the Clunies Ross Entrepreneur of the Year Award last Thursday.
Rio launches, then re-launches robotic trains (according to the media)
Comment by Peter Roberts If you can have more farewells than Melba, then can you have more inaugurations that Rio Tinto? The media was ablaze over the weekend with reports that Rio had completed the inauguration of its $950 million autonomous rail system carrying iron ore in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The remotely…
XTEK and Skykraft to develop spacecraft components and systems
Canberra and Adelaide defence equipment supplier XTEK (ASX: XTEK) has entered into an agreement with Skykraft Pty Ltd to jointly engineer and manufacture components and small spacecraft and space launcher systems. XTEK, manufactures Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), tactical weapons such as sniper rifles, protection equipment, and explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) robots, while Skykraft is a…
Austal shipbuilding added to S&P ASX 200 index
In a major development for the company, Perth international shipbuilder Austal (ASX: ASB) has been added to the S&P ASX 200 index of top Australian stocks. S&P Dow Jones announced the addition, as well as a small number of other entries and exits from the elite list of top 200 Australian shares. Joining the list…
Alkane invests in technology to process zirconia and rare earths
Minerals technology company, Alkane Resources (ASX: ALK) has signed an agreement with a South Korean firm to develop new methods for refining zirconium and rare earths using an electrolytic process. Alkane, through its subsidiary, Australian Strategic Metals will invest $1.8 million in a pilot plant being developed by Korea’s Zirconium Technology Corporation. The plant will…