What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading.
5) $60m in defence quantum technology grants announced
The federal government has invested $60 million in quantum and counter disinformation technologies critical to defence and to a future made in Australia.
The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT) programme has signed 21 contracts with Australian universities and industry partners.
The investment was made under the National Defence Strategy and Asymmetric Advantage – Delivering More, Together, the Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy.
So why have we returned for a third time with this campaign and awards program?
4) Australia goes from terrible to worse in economic complexity, but nobody seems to notice
The most recent Economic Complexity Index rankings continue a downward slide for Australia, which has fallen from 93rd to 102nd.
The figures, compiled by the Growth Lab at the Harvard Kennedy School, were updated in September, though have not been noted in news coverage since.
Brent Balinski spoke to Tim Cheston, Senior Research Manager at the Growth Lab, about the most recent update.
3) NRF makes first investment – $40m in Russell Mineral Equipment
The federal government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund has made its first investment – $40 million will be invested into innovative mineral processing equipment manufacturer Russell Mineral Equipment.
The funds, which is alongside private sector investment, will ensure a pioneering Toowoomba manufacturer stays in Australia and boosts production, according to a statement.
The investment from the NRF Corporation (NRFC) will support the continued growth of Queensland-based RME’s domestic manufacturing capabilities.
2) Calix green iron tech recognised at UN climate talks
Industrial process technology company Calix has been recognised at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, winning the Net-Zero Industries Award for Outstanding Project with its zero-emissions steel technology.
Calix’s Zero Emission Steel Technology (ZESTY) was celebrated for its “success and potential as a lowest-cost solution to green iron and steel production”, according to the company. The ASX-listed comapny describes ZESTY as a “renewably powered hydrogen direct reduced iron” technology, using “minimal” amounts of hydrogen.
The award was presented by Australian energy minister Chris Bowen and Austrian energy minister Leonore Gewessler.
1) @AuManufacturing’s 50 Most Innovative returns for 2024/5
This week we launched the third iteration of our Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers campaign, or the 50 Most Innovative in its abbreviated form, or #A50MIM if you’re really into the whole brevity thing.
This time around, it’s been made possible through the support of these fantastic sponsors – Australia Wide Engineering Recruitment, TXM Lean Solutions, the Industry Capability Network, Bonfiglioli Australia, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and the SmartCrete CRC. A huge thanks to them.
Picture: credit Calix