As a start-up business, Micro‑X could only dream about the equipment they needed for their mobile x‑ray cart based on the world-leading carbon nanotube emitter. The South Australian Business Chamber member quickly learned about the benefits of partnering with universities to bring their technology to life.
Micro‑X Engineering Manager Anthony Skeats says that their first stroke of luck was to partner with Flinders University and the University of Adelaide.
“Our collaboration with local universities gave us access to resources that we would never have had otherwise.
“Our second stroke of luck was the evolution of our entire manufacturing and production staff from the car industry’s demise here in South Australia.
“We knew there was an opportunity from the first tour of the Holden facility. The build quality was superb, and the place’s attitude was excellent. We wanted to bring that into our medical devices.
The South Australian Business Chamber Chief Executive Martin Haese says universities are known as power hubs of research and academic excellence. They are funded by government grants, philanthropic donations, and industry-led collaborations.
“Through university joint-funding, businesses can fund world-class infrastructure and equipment and the best researchers.
“Finding a suitable research partner can be difficult for time-poor SMEs without current research networks. Existing Federal Government initiatives aim to bring researchers and businesses together, such as the Innovation Connections program and the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) program.
“The South Australian Business Chamber recommends an independent program dedicated to facilitating collaboration. A primary aspect of the program would be for an independent industry body to hold regular workshops for the research and business communities. The workshops would educate both parties about various aspects of the collaboration process.
Micro‑X has been recognised at the South Australian Science and Innovation Excellence Awards for its collaboration with universities and STEM outreach.
Micro‑X Research Chemist Susanne Sahlos says they are very passionate about STEM outreach and educating young people.
“Through our strong relationship with Flinders University, we take in engineering and science students for integrated work placements.
“We have found that STEM outreach must be innovative. So rather than having a strict program, we collaborate with specific academics to create the right program for the skills we need at that time.
Flinders University Associate Professor Ingo Koeper says the students can see how the theory they learn in the lecture theatre translates into real-life applications.
“This shows the students that they need what we teach them to make a real product, to make something amazing to save the world.”
Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Dr Susan Close says that now in its 18th year, the SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards encourage all communities to engage with the remarkable science and innovation work underway across South Australia. Success stories that may otherwise be confined to the lab, office, field or classroom are able to be shared and celebrated.
“The awards provide a platform for recipients to showcase their work to a wider audience.
“South Australia’s health system, environment, industry and economy all rely on equipping the next generation of South Australians with appropriate STEMM skills.
“By showcasing the state’s diverse range of enthusiastic STEMM practitioners, the Science Excellence and Innovation Awards inspire our young people to pursue similar education and career pathways.”
Nominations are currently open for these awards: www.scienceawards.sa.gov.au
