Media Release

METS QuantumTX businesses capitalise on cross-sector technology to drive Queensland jobs

(Brisbane, QLD) - In another boost to Queensland’s position as a hub for cross-sector technology and innovation, the state’s first cohort of businesses in the Quantum Technology Exchange initiative (QuantumTX) have been announced.

Accelerating small and medium sized businesses (SME) solving challenges in the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector, QuantumTX received over 60 applications from across the state.

Almost half of all applicants were from regional Queensland, with seven regional organisations selected to participate.  Due to the popularity of the program and the volume of businesses demonstrating their capabilities in market, the number of available positions in the program was increased from eight to 14.

Adrian Beer CEO of METS Ignited, the Industry Growth Centre for the METS sector, today announced the 14 SMEs set to accelerate the commercialisation of their products and services through the QuantumTX program, creating jobs and economic opportunity into Queensland’s $7 billion resources sector; and building international competitiveness.

“Australia’s METS sector has a international reputation for developing and supplying innovative  solutions, creating jobs and delivering economic benefits that far exceed the minerals sector.

“Technology innovation in world-leading sectors including mining, energy and resources are crucial drivers of jobs growth for our future economy.  That’s why METS Ignited is partnering with the Queensland Government to deliver on its 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan for the sector’s development which is a key part of the state’s Economic Recovery Plan.

“METS Ignited, in collaboration with the Queensland Government and Atomic Sky are excited to announce the cohort of the QuantumTX small and medium business accelerator program, who will partake in the 12-week intensive program designed to accelerate the commercial expansion of Queensland businesses into industry. Program participants will receive access to expert mentoring, industry leaders, potential multi-sector clients and investors.

“There are huge benefits in supporting commercialisation of local innovation for our economy and the potential for these innovations to service other key markets such as defence, construction and space sectors,” said Adrian Beer, CEO, METS Ignited.

Program participants were selected via a competitive process by a committee of industry mining, METS, technology and innovation experts. Each SME has potential global competitive advantage with existing innovative products solving common supply chain challenges across multiple industries; including the international space sector.

QuantumTX QLD participants from around the state include Brisbane, Gladstone, Gympie, Hervey Bay, Kallangur, Mackay and Townsville.  They cover a range of innovation including robotics, clean energy management, AI and sensing, advanced materials, manufacturing, engineering, human resources and safety management, and sustainability.

The SME companies selected to participate in QuantumTX QLD are:

·       2Censor

·       Australian Droid and Robot

·       Advanced Infrared Resources Australia

·       BIA5

·       Countrywide Metals

·       EMB Safety Helmet

·       Intov8

·       JESI

·       MHO Infrastructure

·       OreFox

·       Real Serious Games

·       SensaWeb

·       Universal Field Robotics

·       Zemek Engineering

“Capabilities in digital automation, data analytics, robotics, sustainability and remote operations are widely recognised for their applicability across multiple industries. Expanding businesses with these solutions has the potential to grow the number of jobs already in the sector, and boost their skills and capabilities contributing to Australia’s economy,” continued Beer.

Professor Peter Rossdeutscher, Founder of QuantumTX and Atomic Sky reiterated the incredible depth and breadth of innovation to be found in the Queensland METS sector. 

“The QuantumTX program plays to Australia’s strengths in technology, provides access to global pathways through collaboration and drives investment in innovators. The 14 companies selected represent the key drivers of growth in all major sectors globally and the solid interest from high quality applicants for the program is an example of how far reaching technology innovation is across all of Queensland.

“QuantumTX is really excited to help these small and medium businesses strengthen their solutions, diversify jobs and expand their businesses across sectors within the state and potentially internationally,” said Professor Rossdeutscher. 

More information on the program and participants is at www.quantumtx.com.au/qtx-qld

-ENDS-

About Quantum TX

QuantumTX was created by Atomic Sky to strengthen capability, competitive industry advantages and collaboration across Australia’s leading industries in technologies that bridge the mining, energy, agricultural, defence and the $314Bn global space sector.