• UniSA study recommends how to dispose of 80 million solar panels
• Adelaide-based start-up awarded grant to prevent leading cause of blindness
• AML3D Limited gains access sales in the United States defence sector
• Electric triple road train hits South Australian roads
• Investments in Australian start-ups on the decline
• Fleet Space Technologies signs multi-million dollar defence agreement
• Banrock Station Vineyard hits the market

UniSA study recommends how to dispose of 80 million solar panels

A study led by the University of South Australia has proposed a comprehensive product stewardship scheme to dispose of 80 million solar panels in an environmentally friendly way.

UniSA researcher Peter Majewski said incentives are needed for producers to design solar panels that can be easily recycled if damaged or out of warranty.

“Australia has one of the highest uptakes of solar panels in the world, which is outstanding, but little thought has been given to the significant volume of panels ending up in landfill 20 years down the track when they need to be replaced,” Majewski said.

“There are some simple recycling steps that can be taken to reduce the waste volume, including removing the panels’ frames, glass covers and solar connectors before they are disposed of.

“Landfill bans are already in place in Victoria, following the lead of some European countries, encouraging existing installers to start thinking about recyclable materials when making the panels.”

Landfill bans require legislation that ensures waste is not diverted to other locations with less stringent regulations and Majewski recommends the use of serial numbers to track the history of solar panels and monitor if they are disposed of environmentally.

He also recommends generating a second-hand economy by reusing solar panels but said that will require consumer guarantees on reused solar panels’ functionality.

Adelaide-based start-up awarded grant to prevent leading cause of blindness

Seonix Bio, a local company conducting genetic testing for glaucoma, has been awarded a $471,168 Accelerating Commercialisation Grant through the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ Entrepreneurs’ Programme.

The grant will be used to build clinical and software infrastructure to support the launch of the company’s genetic risk technology for glaucoma.

CEO of Seonix Bio Nick Haan said early intervention is critical to the prevention of glaucoma-induced blindness with genetics being key to identifying people at risk.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, with 300,000 Australians aged over 40 currently suffering from the condition.

“Vision loss from glaucoma often goes unnoticed in the early stages, and is irreversible once it occurs,” Haan said.

“Earlier detection and treatment have been proven in large trials to save sight.”

Through a service that collects a saliva sample to analyse an individual’s DNA, the company’s genetic risk score technology characterises a person’s chances of developing glaucoma.

Seonix Bio’s approach means those at high risk can be examined sooner and more regularly by a health professional and treated with eye drops, low-risk laser therapy or surgery.

The company aims to have the clinical service available to health professionals in 2023.

AML3D Limited gains access sales in the United States defence sector

South Australian large-scale 3D metal printing company AML3D Limited has signed an agreement with manufacturer reseller Phillips Corporation to sell their product in the United States.

Phillips will focus exclusively on selling AML3D’s ARCEMY® systems to the United States Federal Government, including the US Navy, Airforce and Army.

ARCEMY® is a medium to large-scale metal 3D printer that combines welding science, robotics automation, materials engineering and proprietary software to produce parts by depositing molten wire layer by layer in a controlled manner.

The agreement will run for 18 months with an opportunity to renew after the initial term.

AML3D CEO Ryan Miller said Phillips’ relationships as a long-standing and trusted supplier of manufacturing solutions will allow the company immediate access to the US defence sector.

“This is an incredible opportunity to expand our reach and sales presence through a dual-track strategy comprising our direct sales team and our partner Phillips’ federal sales team,” Miller said.

“Driving adoption of our ARCEMY® technology across the US Navy, Airforce, and Army is a key scale-up objective for AML3D.”

OZ Minerals are trialling an electric triple road train powered with renewable energy. Photo: supplied.

Electric triple road train hits South Australian roads

South Australian mining company OZ Minerals has partnered with two other Australian companies to trial what it claims as the world’s first electric triple road train using a powerful battery charged by renewable energy.

Janus Electric has converted a diesel truck owned by Qube into an electric truck which will be tested by OZ Minerals for operations and shipping from Carrapateena Mine over the next 12 months.

Designed for the mining industry, the zero-emissions technology provides high torque and power, making it capable of hauling the weight of a triple road train.

With a range of up to 400 kilometres on a single charge, the technology is capable of making the 200 kilometre journey from the Port Augusta battery replacement station to OZ Minerals’ Carrapateena Mine, as well as supporting other OZ Minerals mining operations.

Batteries can be exchanged within five minutes at a recharging and replacement station installed at Port Augusta.

According to Janus Electric, any prime mover can be retrofitted with the technology for the same cost of rebuilding a diesel engine.

– Liam McMahon

Investments in Australian start-ups on the decline

Investments in Australian startups and tech companies are down nearly $1.7 billion compared to the first quarter of 2022, according to Techboard’s quarterly investment report FUNDED.

The dip in funding comes following the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank just over a month ago, alongside rising interest rates and the increased cost of living.

CEO and Co-Founder of Techboard Peter van Bruchem said there were just over $1 billion in private and venture capitalist investments as of March 2023, a decrease of nearly $800 million from December 2022.

“In March 2023 Australian startups announced they had collectively raised $204 million from 36 private rounds,” van Bruchem said.

“This was less than half the amount announced in February which saw $432 million from 47 deals and even down from the usually slow January which saw $372 million from 28 deals.”

Despite the decrease in funding, Australia is generally faring better than the total global funding for startups and tech companies.

American business analytics platform CB Insights recently reported that global venture capitalist funding had hit the lowest quarterly total since the fourth quarter of 2019.

– Jack O’Halloran

Fleet Space Technologies signs multi-million dollar defence agreement

Adelaide-based company Fleet Space Technologies has secured a $6.4 million contract with Australia’s Defence Space Command.

The agreement, named ASCEND2LEO, will see Fleet’s next generation of Centauri satellites used to develop and demonstrate a Low-Earth Orbit satellite communications system focused on tactical communications and data transmission where connectivity is limited.

Director of Space Services at Defence Space Command Clifford White said the partnership would help the command achieve its aim of defending Australia.

“Space is operationally critical to the achievement of the defence mission, and this is an example of innovative ways to advance our capability and support the development of a sustainable national space enterprise,” White said.

– Liam McMahon

Accolade Wines is selling Banrock Station Vineyard. Photo: supplied.

Banrock Station Vineyard hits the market

Property advisors Langley&Co have been hired by Accolade Wines to seek expressions of interest for the 235-hectare vineyard famous for its wetlands and environmentally conscious wines.

The deal would be a sale and lease back arrangement with Accolade, meaning the global wine company will keep the world-renowned brand in its portfolio.

The Riverland vineyard is on two titles and produces a mix of traditional and alternative varieties, mostly planted between 1993 and 1996, that average around 5700 tonnes annually.

The plant and equipment are also for sale by negotiation and expressions of interest are invited to be lodged by Friday, May 5.

Langley&Co are also advising on the sale of Gemtree Wines in McLaren Vale and recently sold Penny’s Hill Wines in McLaren Vale and Schild Estate Winery in the Barossa.

– Jim Plouffe