Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

ARE receives $5m grant for rare earths development Australian Rare Earths has received a $5 million grant from the federal government’s International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program. The funding will support additional metallurgical test work, completion of a pre-feasibility study and building/operating a demonstration plant at the company’s Koppamurra project, a frontier ionic clay rare…

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AICRAFT – from research to innovation for the customer

In the third profile in our campaign to identify and celebrate Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers, we look at edge computing manufacturer Aicraft. Peter Roberts spoke to owner Dr Tony Scoleri. Australian innovation needs a lot more people like Dr Tony Scoleri, CEO of Adelaide edge computing developer and manufacturer Aicraft. Scoleri did his PhD…

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Austal delivers 32-metre Rottnest ferry

Austal Philippines has delivered a 32-metre catamaran (pictured) to Rottnest Fast Ferries in Western Australia for use on the popular service between Hillarys and Rottnest Island. Built in Balamban, Cebu in the Philippines, the ‘Ocean Master’, designed by Incat Crowther, was officially accepted by representatives from Rottnest Fast Ferries following the successful completion of sea…

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Why reviews of R&D fail – by Mark Dodgson

The federal government has announced a strategic examination of R&D, the latest in a series of inquiries into Australia’s faltering innovation system. Here Mark Dodgson looks at why previous reviews have failed to have real impact. The history of reviews of research and innovation in Australia[1] follows a predictable and disheartening cycle. It starts with…

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Airspeed test flies supersonic target prototype

Aerospace composite manufacturer Airspeed has successfully completed its first captive carry flight test of a supersonic target prototype onboard its Marchetti S211 R&D platform (pictured). The company, based at Mawson Lakes, Adelaide recently celebrated the project milestone, in a major step towards strengthening Australia’s sovereign aerospace capability. The customised prototype – known as Irukandji –…

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Quantum critical technologies challenge launched

The Australian Government has announced round 2 of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP). Round 2 of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP) invites solutions to market-led challenges, according to Australia’s Chief Scientist, Cathy Foley. Foley said: “Challenges fall in priority areas of biosecurity, energy, transport and health outcomes for first nations peoples. “I urge…

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