The Morrison Government is investing $1 million in a world-leading Victorian company specialising in metal 3D printing as part of the Government’s plan to grow the Australian space sector and create new jobs.
Geelong region start-up Conflux Technology will use its grant to translate its innovative additive manufacturing heat exchange development program into a commercialised, world-leading product.
Conflux specialises in thermal and fluid engineering, supplying ground-breaking, application specific heat exchangers to industries around the world.
The Waurn Ponds-based company is among six Australian businesses to share in almost $5.5 million under round five of the Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grants Program.
Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said the Morrison Government was continuing to inject much needed funding into local space businesses to support their growth.
“There are so many opportunities in space and the range of projects we’re supporting reflects the different elements of space that Australia can play a leading role in,” Minister Price said.
“The Morrison Government has consistently backed our small and medium sized space businesses.
“We know that through growing business that we will achieve our goal of tripling the size of the sector to $12 billion and creating up to an extra 20,000 new jobs by 2030.
“Space is a global endeavour and we’re helping Australian companies to compete by unlocking their ideas and turning them into job-creating realities.”
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the Geelong region is fast growing as a modern manufacturing powerhouse.
“Supporting the aerospace, defence, automotive and oil and gas sectors, Conflux is a prime example of the types of businesses putting our region on the map in modern manufacturing,” Senator Henderson said.
Liberal for Corangamite Stephanie Asher said growing smart jobs is a key part of her strong Local Plan for Corangamite.
“It’s wonderful to see how the Morrison Government is supporting local businesses grow their businesses across a range of industries as well as attract more local talent to the area,” Ms Asher said.
“The Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement program offers grants between $250,000 and $1 million, and with applications open until 1 May 2023, I encourage local businesses to apply.”
The other five projects receiving a Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grant are:
- Next Aero (VIC) will receive $1,000,000 to enhance the capability and performance envelope of its cryogenic enabled liquid rocket test infrastructure.
- Southern Launch (SA) will receive $986,568 to complete the design and manufacturing of a mobile launch rail.
- Skykraft (ACT) will receive $978,000 to grow the capability of its sovereign, in-house designed spacecraft platform.
- Valiant Space (Qld) will receive $750,000 to deliver non-toxic propulsion to domestic and international customers, including two demonstration space flights.
- EvokeEdge (TAS) will receive $750,000 to deliver its Tiny Machine learning Operations for edge computing in support of astronaut identity, status, and safety.
The $150 million Moon to Mars initiative is part of more than $2 billion committed by the Coalition Government to the civil space sector since 2018.
To apply for a grant and for more information, visit business.gov.au
4 May 2022