Australian Innovation

Curtin’s new partnerships with Chinese research institutions demonstrate confidence in the ability of the two nations to lead in the development of new, ‘green’ energy technologies. The University’s leading role in resources and energy research is also demonstrated by the new Curtin Resources and Chemistry Precinct that will be launched on November 13. The $116 million development is funded by Curtin, BHP Billiton, ChemCentre (WA’s flagship chemical science facility) and both the Federal and WA governments.

Curtin delivers high-impact research across four areas of strength:

• Resources and energy
• ICT and emerging technologies
• Health
• Sustainable development

Recognising that sustainable development is becoming increasingly important to individuals, communities, business and industry, and policy-makers at all levels, Curtin has stepped up its commitment to research in this area.

Phoenix Solar is proud to introduce an innovative solar module into the Australian market. The Solyndra panel offers a solution designed specifically for flat rooftops which is ideal for industrial and commercial buildings. Each lightweight panel is made of 40 cylindrical tubes attached to a 108 cm x 182 cm frame. Within each cylindrical tube, [...]

 How  will your customers judge your product? Are you confident that you meet the needs of your market?
Having an idea is only the starting point, knowing how to turn an idea into an experience for your customers is profitable. Find a solution to your problem, expand, build on, and shape ideas into tangible, innovative products and [...]

Brisbane is emerging as a leader in knowledge sectors such as biotechnology, creative industries, aviation and aerospace, ICT, environmental and mining services. Th is diversity is crucial to the success of the Brisbane economy.
Infrastructure
To foster an environment that supports and values innovation and knowledge, the Queensland Government and the Brisbane City Council have invested strongly [...]

A conglomerate of concerned and proactive Melbournites promoting social, cultural and economic change took out the major prize at the inaugural Fast Thinking Innovation Awards in 2008.
When Australia’s most respected journal dedicated to Australian and international innovative activity initiated its annual award program in 2008, it was clear that the ensuing winners would need to [...]

The number of ageing people in Australia is rising. As a proportion of the population, people aged over 65 years will double between 2002 and 2042 to an expected 25% of the population (6.2 million people).
At the same time, the ageing population of Australia, combined with the increasing workforce participation of women, means a large [...]

Geocycle has recently trialled a new resource recovery project that allows previously unprocessable waste to be recycled.
 
The Megablender, a huge-scale metal blender the size of a large water tank, has five hardened-alloy cutting blades that rotate up to 500 rpm in both directions.
 
It is able to shred entire steel drums containing solid and semi-solid hazardous [...]

We asked one Australian CEO, Fujitsu’s Rod Vawdrey, how sustainability fits with his business.
Q: What does environmental sustainability mean to you?
Rod Vawdrey (RV): To me, it’s a pretty simple proposition. Our resources are finite and we all have a duty of care to sustain the environment for future generations. Whether you’re a climate change convert [...]

What does the global financial crisis mean for innovation in Australia’s manufacturing sector? CAST CEO George Collins reflects on the future for R&D in the highly competitive area of metals manufacturing.
CAST is a Cooperative Research Centre that conducts industrydriven research in metals technology. Its expertise includes the processing of metals in the liquid state, alloying [...]