09/03/2026
Robotic surgery tech unveiled at Lismore hospital in NSW
St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Lismore in Sydney, has introduced the Medbot TOUMAI Surgical Robotic System, making it the first regional private hospital in NSW and the second in Australia to do so. This robotic technology allows complex surgeries to be performed using minimally invasive techniques, leading to safer procedures, faster recoveries, and better patient outcomes, according to hospital CEO Peter Fahey. The system will be utilized in various specialties, enhancing precision and control through advanced imaging and instruments.
https://www.echo.net.au/2026/02/robotic-surgery-tech-unveiled-at-lismore-hospital/
Fertilizer produced from waste innovation
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a method to produce urea by directly coupling carbon dioxide and nitrogen pollutants using renewable electricity. This approach, detailed in Nature Communications, aims to reduce the emissions associated with conventional urea production, which relies on fossil fuels. The team created a copper and cobalt catalyst that facilitates bonding between carbon and nitrogen molecules at an atomic scale. This new technology could enable Australia to produce clean, locally made urea from captured emissions, potentially strengthening supply chains and reducing emissions. Dr. Rahman Daiyan emphasized the need for investment in a circular economy, aiming for zero-carbon urea production without the use of ammonia as an intermediary.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/waste-to-fertiliser-breakthrough/
27/02/2026
Robotic surgery tech unveiled at Lismore hospital in NSW
St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Lismore in Sydney, has introduced the Medbot TOUMAI Surgical Robotic System, making it the first regional private hospital in NSW and the second in Australia to do so. This robotic technology allows complex surgeries to be performed using minimally invasive techniques, leading to safer procedures, faster recoveries, and better patient outcomes, according to hospital CEO Peter Fahey. The system will be utilized in various specialties, enhancing precision and control through advanced imaging and instruments.
https://www.echo.net.au/2026/02/robotic-surgery-tech-unveiled-at-lismore-hospital/
Fertilizer produced from waste innovation
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a method to produce urea by directly coupling carbon dioxide and nitrogen pollutants using renewable electricity. This approach, detailed in Nature Communications, aims to reduce the emissions associated with conventional urea production, which relies on fossil fuels. The team created a copper and cobalt catalyst that facilitates bonding between carbon and nitrogen molecules at an atomic scale. This new technology could enable Australia to produce clean, locally made urea from captured emissions, potentially strengthening supply chains and reducing emissions. Dr. Rahman Daiyan emphasized the need for investment in a circular economy, aiming for zero-carbon urea production without the use of ammonia as an intermediary.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/waste-to-fertiliser-breakthrough/
25/09/2025
Engineers develop spray to make clothes more fire-resistant
Researchers at UNSW have created a new fire-resistant spray that can slow down how quickly cotton fabrics catch fire, helping reduce the risk of burns. The spray is made for common items like clothes and bedding, and could be especially helpful for people living in bushfire-prone areas or during emergencies.
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/09/engineers-develop-spray-to-make-clothes-more-fire-resistant
27/05/2025
A new Health Research and Innovation Strategy aims to advance NSW's health and economic prosperity.
The NSW Government has unveiled the NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy 2025–2030, a five-year plan to enhance health outcomes and position the state as a leading hub for health and medical research investment. The Strategy will focus research and innovation efforts within NSW Health on the areas of greatest need, ensuring advancements transition effectively from laboratory to patient care for optimal health benefits. It will also foster collaboration across government, healthcare, academia, and industry, uniting diverse research and innovation initiatives into a cohesive, streamlined approach for maximum impact.
https://afndaily.com.au/2025/05/20/new-health-research-and-innovation-strategy-to-drive-nsws-health-and-economic-prosperity/
A new silicosis test has shown promise in early trials and is now being tested on larger groups
Doctors and scientists at UNSW Sydney have developed a breath-analysis tool that could detect silicosis early, before lung damage becomes irreversible. The UNSW-developed test delivers results in minutes, unlike X-rays and CT scans that detect silicosis only in later stages. The test uses mass spectrometry and AI to quickly detect silicosis from breath samples, offering a fast, non-invasive tool for at-risk workers.
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/03/ai-powered-breath-test-detects-silicosis
20/05/2025
Innovative first-of-its-kind 3D printed skin technology aims to accelerate healing and alleviate pain
Researchers at Concord Hospital in NSW have achieved a world-first breakthrough in burn treatment by developing a method to 3D print skin using a patient’s own cells and directly apply it to their wounds. This innovative process utilizes advanced technology from Inventia Life Science, the creators of the Ligo Surgical Robot, which precisely prints biomaterials onto the wound. Working alongside the Skin Laboratory at Concord Hospital’s Burns Unit, researchers first extract skin cells from patients, then produce new skin with the robotic 3D printer.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20250509_00.aspx
16-12-2024
NSW Government to unleash the full potential of Tech Central
The NSW Government has unveiled a plan to enhance the Tech Central Innovation District, Australia's largest tech hub, located in Sydney's CBD. This six square kilometre area hosts major tech companies and research institutes. The new strategy aims to empower the innovation ecosystem, support housing, and boost the local economy. Key initiatives include relocating the Sydney Startup Hub to Tech Central in October 2025, fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs and universities. Investment NSW will lead efforts to attract investment and align government programs with local needs, ensuring ongoing growth in critical sectors.
https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/nsw-government-to-unleash-the-full-potential-of-tech-central/
9-12-2024
New mobile treatment system to remove PFAS (Per polyfluoroalkyl and substances) from drinking water after 'forever chemicals' found in Blue Mountains dams
Residents of the Blue Mountains are concerned that a $3.5 million filtration system being installed at a PFAS hotspot has come too late. The state government is addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water, linked to health issues like cancer, at the Cascade Water Filtration Plant, which serves 41,000 homes. Recent tests revealed PFAS levels above safe limits, prompting the upgrade of the plant to include advanced treatment technology. WaterNSW has also shut two dams supplying the plant due to high PFAS levels.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-03/multi-million-pfas-mobile-system-nsw-cascade-water-plant/104674212
02/12/2024
Genics: Giving shrimp a clean bill of health in India
Genics, the company spun off from CSIRO to commercialize the technology, is now collaborating with the Australian Government to expand its reach across India and globally. A shrimp pathogen detection system developed by CSIRO is assisting farmers in enhancing the health, yield, and sustainability of their operations. Genics is a global leader in pathogen detection and biosecurity solutions. The company’s ultra-sensitive Shrimp MultiPath™ 2.0 detects 18 pathogens with a single test, weeks before animals show signs of disease. By helping farmers detect pathogens or disease early in the production cycle, they can make smart management decisions that protect their stock and maximise farm output.
https://www.austrade.gov.au/en/news-and-analysis/news/genics-giving-shrimp-a-clean-bill-of-health-in-india
29 September 2024
Quad Program offers new funding for clean energy supply chain innovation
The Quad Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program will open for applications in November 2024, offering up to A$25 million in grants for joint projects between Australia and Indo-Pacific partners to enhance solar, hydrogen, and battery supply chains. Announced at the recent Quad Leaders Summit, the program aims to fund R&D and feasibility studies to create diverse supply chains, with a total commitment of A$50 million. Grants will range from A$100,000 to A$2.5 million and require collaboration between Australian and Indo-Pacific organizations, with encouragement for partnerships with the U.S., India, or Japan. The focus includes various supply chain stages, such as processing and recycling. A second funding round is anticipated in late 2025.
https://www.energyinnovation.net.au/article/quad-program-offers-new-funding-for-clean-energy-supply-chain-innovation
$2.1 million to help boost cancer research in NSW
The NSW Government announced a $2.1 million research grant to support cancer researchers, including Professors Georgina Long AO and Paul Timpson. Professor Long's team received nearly $700,000 for an imaging system to aid cancer diagnosis and treatment, while Professor Timpson's team was awarded almost $700,000 for a system to gain insights into cell interactions and treatment responses for various cancers. Additionally, three clinical trial grants of $250,000 each were funded to improve access to trials for underrepresented populations. The NSW Government has invested over $470 million in cancer research in the past 20 years.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20240924_00.aspx
8 September 2024
AI-powered robots revolutionise Asian grocery deliveries in Australia
Umall, the leading online Asian grocery platform in Australia, has recently implemented AI-powered robotic sorting technology, making it the first online grocery retailer in the country to do so. The new system, which is now operational at Umall's fulfilment centre in Sydney, aims to enhance the logistics of online grocery operations in the growing Asian grocery sector, as stated in Umall's media release. Umall emphasizes its commitment to providing the best possible service to customers who rely on them for their Asian grocery needs.
https://www.australianmanufacturing.com.au/ai-powered-robots-revolutionise-asian-grocery-deliveries-in-australia/
3/09/2024
New scorecard highlights strengths and opportunities for NSW innovation sector
The 2024 Scorecard by the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council compares NSW with domestic and international jurisdictions using various data sources and metrics to identify opportunities for the state to improve. According to the report card, NSW surpasses the rest of the nation in creating new startup and spinout companies from universities and research institutes, and leads Canada, Germany, and Japan in venture capital investment as a share of Gross State Product (GSP) or Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/new-scorecard-highlights-strengths-and-opportunities-for-nsw-innovation-sector/
22-07-2024
Advanced Energy efficient Computing cluster speeds up science by CISRO Sydney.
Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has collaborated with Dell Technologies to develop a high-performance computer (HPC) system called Virga. This system, built on advanced Dell PowerEdge XE9640 servers, is the first of its kind in Australia and is designed to optimize artificial intelligence (AI) workflows while also being power-efficient through direct liquid cooling. The aim is to accelerate scientific discoveries and contribute to the growth of Australia’s industry and economy.
https://australianmanufacturingnews.com/5351-2/
